Chicago Bulls: 3 realistic trade targets from the Celtics

Realistic Celtics trade targets for the Chicago Bulls: Marcus Smart

Upgrading the Bulls defensively in the backcourt rotation would not be the easiest task for Karnisovas and Eversley to take on from the ground up. The Bulls could use some upgrades defensively, especially on the perimeter. Some of the more notable guards on the roster this season, such as star shooting guard Zach LaVine and second-year point guard Coby White, were often liabilities on defense this season. Not to mention the likes of Tomas Satoransky being just a neutral presence on defense.

Given that about the only stout defensive guard that is a regular in the Bulls, rotation is veteran shooting guard, Garrett Temple, turning to a potential trade target such as the Celtics defensive stopper point guard Marcus Smart could make sense. The former Oklahoma State Cowboys star and veteran defensive standout Smart has also started to find more of his niche on the offensive end of the floor too in the past few seasons.

He’s turned into one of the best reserve players in his particular role in the NBA at this point. While the Bulls likely wouldn’t find their point guard of the future in Smart, he could give the Bulls a nice set of four reliable guards that fill various roles for head coach Billy Donovan heading into next season.

Smart would likely be a fan favorite with the Bulls, and the idea of nabbing him from the Celtics is one that already has some steam with this fan base.

While Smart is due more than $14 million on his base salary heading into next season, that is the final year of his current contract. That will provide some flexibility for both Smart and the Bulls moving forward if he were to land in Chicago. He could be a nice fit as likely the best defensive player in a backcourt rotation that needs help in that regard.