Chicago Bulls: 2 players AK could steal away from the Celtics

Celtics players the Chicago Bulls could steal away: Marcus Smart

The more well-known of the two Celtics players on this list that would be an intriguing trade chip if the Bulls got involved in talks with Stevens and Boston is the defensive standout point guard Marcus Smart. The former Oklahoma State Cowboys star and 27-year-old and two-time All-Defensive Team selection looks like he would be a solid fit with the Bulls.

The risk that Karnisovas and the Bulls would be taking if they tried to get Smart from the Celtics this summer is his contract. The Bulls would have to shed a good amount of salary to make it work with Smart along with any other notable free agent signings this team wanted to get during the summer months.

In the past two seasons, Smart has shown a lot of encouraging signs for the direction of his game in the prime years of his career. He’s shot better from the field down the stretch and in the playoffs while remaining the dominant on-ball perimeter defender that he’s always been.

During the regular season, Smart averaged 13.1 points per game, 3.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks. And he shot roughly 40 percent from the field, 33 percent from beyond the arc, and 79 percent from the free-throw line.

If Stevens doesn’t see much of a future for Smart with the Celtics, then it might not be too long before he’s on the move. Given the Bulls’ need to get help at the point guard position and get some perimeter defensive upgrades this summer, this landing spot makes a lot of sense for all parties involved.