Golden State Warriors: 5 game-changing trade targets

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans runs on the court in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on February 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans runs on the court in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on February 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
(Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)

3. Marcus Smart

There isn’t much Marcus Smart can’t do on the basketball court. He is perhaps the best perimeter defender in the NBA right now and has blossomed into a reliable ball-handler and playmaker.

Smart is comparable to a mini-Draymond Green. He plays with the same fire and tenacity that makes Green such a great competitor but also contains the same level of versatility in his game.

Last season, Smart averaged a career-high 13.5 points while also dishing out 4.8 assists per game as a shooting guard. He held the second-highest assist rating on the team, behind only Kemba Walker.

Smart not only buffs the Warriors perimeter defense but can act as a creator alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Having these three work to generate open shots for each other is a scary thought for opponents.

Although the Boston Celtics haven’t given any indication that Smart will be available in trade talks, there is no telling what could happen in the offseason. If the Warriors win the draft lottery, their ability to negotiate with the Celtics would increase.