New York Knicks Have Interest In Marcus Smart (Report)
May 2, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Marcus Smart (36) controls the ball on a breakaway during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics are looking to move reserve point guard Marcus Smart, and the New York Knicks have interest.

The Boston Celtics need to make room for new acquisition Gordon Hayward by ditching the salaries of role players Marcus Smart, and Jae Crowder. The New York Knicks, desperate for point guard help, are reportedly interested in taking Smart.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, the Knicks are “looking into trade options to fill the cap space they have.” Apparently, Smart is one of those options because Berman states that the team is interested.

Smart is one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. He would be a huge upgrade over 2016-17 starter Derrick Rose on that end of the court.

New York’s options at point guard are getting more limited by the day. Including Derrick Rose, the Knicks have been linked to Rajon Rondo and Shelvin Mack.

Smart fits the model for the Knicks rebuild that’s going along with their youth movement. He’s on an expiring contract, and he’s only due to make $4.5 million in 2017-18.

A trade for role player Kyle O’Quinn makes sense for both sides. Boston needs rebounding, and O’Quinn has become expendable in New York.

 
I'm ESNY's Executive Editor for EliteSportsNY.com. I cover the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. Email: chip.murphy@elitesportsny.com Chip Murphy covers the NBA for Elite Sports NY. You can find him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy.