LATEST NEWS:Celtics’ worst nightmare could become a reality if Grizzlies trade Marcus Smart

The core of the Boston Celtics was Marcus Smart. Since Gary Payton in 1996, he was the first guard to win Defensive Player of the Year. Boston never missed the playoffs during his nine years with the team. But as part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade over the offseason, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

The season for the Grizzlies has collapsed. Their hopes of making it to the postseason were dashed before the season had even underway due to a series of injury problems, notably those to Ja Morant and the newly traded Steven Adams. Trade rumors are now mentioning Smart’s name. Brad Stevens knew that Smart would only have an impact on Boston’s direction twice a year—and possibly in the NBA Finals if the Grizzlies kept becoming better—when he sent him to the Western Conference.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks have both expressed interest in obtaining Smart through trade, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

“While several clubs — including the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, sources said — have phoned Memphis about obtaining defensive stalwart Marcus Smart, the Grizzlies have shut down any overtures for the veteran guard, sources said,” Fischer stated.

Smart plays basketball well and wins games. He really is able to guard every position on the court. He creates hustle plays that change the game. He’s a great playmaker and glue player on offense. It should come as no surprise that two contenders are interested in signing him. Having mistakenly shipped Jrue Holiday to Boston this past summer, Milwaukee would probably be eager to bring in a replacement.

The worst-case scenario for the Celtics would be to watch their former leader wind up with their most infamous opponent, the Lakers, or on a conference rival team. It’s a circumstance that they probably didn’t think would arise soon. After this season, Smart’s contract has two more years left at an average annual value of $19.1 million.

But Memphis’ choice to split ways with Adams has altered public and media perceptions of the current Grizzlies team.

Smart was a great pick-up for Memphis. He could also be a great trade chip for them. Watching him end up on a direct rival, which could affect their playoff chances as well, would be a nightmare scenario for the team and their fans.