The New York Knicks are reportedly in discussions about trading for Memphis Grizzlies guard and former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. According to Kris Pursiainen, the Knicks are exploring a potential deal to acquire Smart, although no agreement has been reached at this time.
"The New York Knicks have had internal discussions about a potential deal for Marcus Smart per sources familiar with the situation," Pursiainen said in a tweet.
"NYK has had rumored interest in Smart before. No deal is imminent but several sources indicated the Knicks are willing to be active on the market," he added.
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Fans reacted strongly to reports of the Knicks showing interest in further strengthening their roster after already completing two blockbuster trades this offseason. The Eastern Conference franchise recently completed a trade for Karl-Anthony Towns and had previously acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets.
One fan speculated whether the franchise might consider trading Josh Hart in order to acquire Marcus Smart.
"Josh Hart on the move?!?!"
A couple of X users pointed out how formidable the Knicks' defense would be with Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Smart all on the court together.
"Smart Bridges Anunoby all in same lineup teams would be lucky to score 90 points against us," a fan wrote.
"Imagine a team of Brunson, Smart, Bridges. OG, and Towns tho. Plus Hart off the bench. Damn," commented another fan.
Several fans emphasized how detrimental it would be for the Knicks if they traded Mitchell Robinson to acquire Marcus Smart.
"This deal makes no sense. Deal would either be a combo of Mitch & Deuce or Mitch & Precious. Only way the money really works. The Knicks deadass need Mitch. Embiid would kill everybody on this roster in a playoff game besides him. He’d shove KAT in a locker & take that mf lunch $," a fan explained.
"This would mean give up Mitch and I’m not going into season with Karl as our one and only option at center," said another X user.
"I would seriously have depression if the Knicks traded Mitch for him," wrote another Knicks fan.
Marcus Smart's injury-riddled season
Marcus Smart joined the Memphis Grizzlies for the 2023-24 season after the Boston Celtics traded the defensive standout to acquire Jrue Holiday. In his debut season with the Grizzlies, the three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team player missed significant time due to injuries.
The 30-year-old Smart played just 20 games for the Western Conference franchise. He averaged 14.5 points on 43% shooting from the field, including 31.1% from the 3-point range. He also averaged 4.3 assists and 2.1 steals per game.
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