Golden State Warriors: 3 Trade targets better than Ben Simmons

By Tony Pesta | Jun 27, 2021

BOSTON, MA - MAY 28: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics motions to the crowd at the end of the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets during Game Three of the Eastern Conference first round series at TD Garden on May 28, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors should target Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart’s progression to being one of the best all-around players on the Boston Celtics has been an underrated one. He entered the league as nothing more than a scrappy defender who was willing to lay his body on the line to win a game. Now, he’s genuinely a quality playmaker and 3-point shooter.

The Celtics rely on Smart to provide tertiary playmaking nearly all the time. He’s become a glue guy for the team. This makes Smart a potentially valuable asset to the Warriors who are in desperate need of a middle-man of their own.

Smart averaged 13.1 points and 5.7 assists (both career-highs) in an injury-plagued run through the 2020-21 NBA season. His efficiency from both the field and 3-point line was below average but he has proven to be a capable third or fourth option in an offense.

Ideally, the Warriors would acquire Smart via sign-and-trade with Kelly Oubre. This is the best possible outcome. However, he can also be obtained through combining a few other contracts, though this would require sacrificing a chunk of depth.

Nonetheless, going after Smart is likely a better option than dumping draft picks and assets into a Ben Simmons trade.

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