Wizards guard could swing a championship run for this East contender

Marcus Smart's career has derailed since leaving the Boston Celtics. The veteran guard has struggled with injuries throughout his time with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Washington Wizards. In his last two seasons, Smart has suited up 54 times out of a potential 104. 

At 31, Smart is still in the prime of his career. He should be anchoring perimeter defenses and teeing up his teammates for easy buckets. Instead, his value has nosedived and now he's likely going to be a trade candidate for the Wizards this season.

According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, the New York Knicks are monitoring Smart's availability.

"Smart, 31, just like [Malcolm] Brogdon, has been in career limbo ever since he left the Celtics. He’s also been injury-prone," Bondy wrote. "But at his maximized self, Smart is an elite on-ball defender who brings a toughness, chutzpah and a little bit of crazy that the Knicks were missing last season (and tried to acquire by signing P.J. Tucker)."

When healthy, Smart is one of the best defenders in the NBA. He became the first point guard since Gary Payton to win the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022. Furthermore, Smart has deep postseason experience, having operated as the Boston Celtics' lead guard during their run to the 2022 NBA Finals. 

Unfortunately for the Knicks, Smart's $21.5M salary for the upcoming season could be restrictive. Most front offices would balk at such a significant salary for a player who's suited up in less than 50% of total games over the past two seasons. 

Of course, Smart's reputation as a winning player could be a swing factor. He's the ideal addition to any contending roster. His defense, leadership, and improved perimeter scoring are exactly what contending rosters need from a primary backup ball-handler.

Smart could easily swing a championship push, especially for a team in the wide-open Eastern Conference. If it's not the Knicks, then another contending team should at least explore the opportunity to add Smart to their rotation. He left the Celtics 12 months before they won a championship. He will be driven to get a ring of his own, and plays the style of basketball that's needed to make that goal happen.