Hawks interested in Celtics defensive stalwart Marcus Smart?

Could the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks complete a trade before Thursday's deadline? The rumors are heating up. 

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Hawks are interested in Celtics defensive stalwart Marcus Smart. The news comes after it was reported that Boston has shown interest in Atlanta's John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanovic. 

Smart is the longest-tenured member of the Celtics after being drafted by the franchise in 2014. He is in the third year of a four-year, $48 million deal signed in the summer of 2018. 

The 27-year-old missed the entire month of February with a calf injury and the Celtics have gone 2-4 since his return. Smart is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 12.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 40.1% from the field and 33.3% from deep. 

It's unclear if the Celtics are willing to part ways with Smart. General manager and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has been hesitant to move him in the past, but with Boston being one of the most inconsistent teams in the NBA this season, it might be time to move on and try something new.