As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Boston Celtics are reportedly considering a deal involving guard Marcus Smart—provided the return includes a first-round draft pick. The 23-year-old Smart is averaging 10.1 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds this season. With several key players due for contract renewals, Boston is under pressure to make tough decisions about who stays and who goes. This potential move has drawn as much attention as rising viewership in BD Cricket Live, where every trade and roster shift can change the game’s outcome.
Smart is earning $4.5 million this season and is set to become a restricted free agent this summer. ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that if the Celtics aim to move any key rotational piece before the deadline, Smart is the most likely candidate. However, teams may hesitate to give up a first-rounder for a player they might need to sign to a significant contract in just a few months.
That said, the Celtics are believed to be open to the idea, especially if the deal doesn’t saddle them with long-term salary obligations. According to Wojnarowski, Smart and the Celtics discussed a long-term extension before the season, but negotiations fell through. With Smart’s value high thanks to his elite perimeter defense and improved playmaking, he could be a desirable asset for teams in need of backcourt toughness and playoff experience.
Meanwhile, former Cavaliers GM David Griffin has added another layer of intrigue to trade rumors, revealing that the Los Angeles Lakers may be preparing to buy out Brook Lopez’s contract. The veteran center, who was acquired last summer, is making $22.64 million this season and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Griffin noted that while Lopez remains a solid contributor—averaging 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in just over 20 minutes per game—his minutes have decreased, leading to public frustration.
Lopez has played in 43 games this season, starting 41 of them, but his role has clearly diminished. Griffin mentioned that the Lakers might proceed cautiously, as releasing Lopez wouldn’t necessarily improve their playoff odds for the rest of the season. Still, his buyout would free up cap space and possibly create room for a younger core to develop.
In the context of all these potential moves, the Celtics’ decision to dangle Smart for a first-round pick could shape the team’s long-term future. With cap flexibility and draft capital more important than ever, Boston might prefer to capitalize on Smart’s current value rather than risk losing him for nothing in the offseason.
As teams finalize rosters for the playoff push, much like squads preparing for the climactic moments of BD Cricket Live, every trade could shift momentum and open new paths toward postseason success. The next few days may reveal whether Smart’s hustle and grit will continue in green—or spark new energy elsewhere.