2. Marcus Smart
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better perimeter defender than Marcus Smart. He makes winning plays constantly and is an absolute difference-maker when it comes to holding opposing guards in the clutch.
Smart has been one of the Boston Celtics’ secret weapons for quite some time now but it’s possible he hits the trading block by next year’s deadline. The Celtics might choose to move away from Smart before he hits free agency in 2022 and demands more money. Boston would do this to maintain financial flexibility in their hopes to add another star to their core.
Luckily, Smart’s contract currently fits under the Warriors’ $17 million dollar trade exception. This makes him an obvious target for the Dubs who will be looking to buff their perimeter defense.
Smart has blossomed into much more than a defender though. He has become a respectable 3-point shooter, clipping at a 34.7 percent clip this season. Furthermore, he is an adept ballhandler that can create plays for his teammates.