Trade Deadline: Could Marcus Smart Fully Fortify Knicks' Defense?

The New York Knicks posted shutdown defense in January but trading for Marcus Smart of the Memphis Grizzlies could truly place them on another level.

The New York Knicks are flourishing since trading for OG Anunoby, particularly on the defensive front. 

Finishing off January with 14 wins after Tuesday's 118-103 win over Utah on Tuesday, the Knicks posted a defensive rating of 104.4 in 16 showings, allowing them to leap to third place in the Eastern Conference. That hasn't kept the team from looking for changes in time for the Dec. 8 trade deadline and that could lead them to turn to an old division rival. 

Morten Stig Jensen of Forbes suggested that the Knicks trade for former Boston Celtics defensive standout Marcus Smart, currently of the Memphis Grizzlies. Smart, who turns 30 in March, could be dealt at the deadline considering Memphis has potential financial commitments to Jaren Jackson Jr. to deal with down the road. He's signed through the 2026 season on a four-year, $76.9 million extension that came over from Boston in a June trade.

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"Smart would fit like a hand-in-glove in head coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive-oriented system, which in theory could see the Knicks level up even more than they already have since acquiring Anunoby," Jensen writes. "It's, of course, a fairly large financial commitment for the Knicks, but one they can justify. For one, they play in arguably the largest market in the NBA, and they look well on their way to make a deep postseason run this season, which would generate more income."

Smart is one of 11 players currently listed on the Grizzlies' injury report and the excessive ailments (led by Ja Morant's season-ending shoulder issue) could lead them to sell by next week. Though well-regarded for his defense, Smart is averaging 14.5 points a game and shooting 43 percent from the field, both standing as career-bests in his 10th season. 

Move Over Celtics? Knicks Continue to Play Like Top Dogs in East

Smart won Defensive Player of the Year two seasons ago, and has been named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team three times, which would fit perfectly with head coach Tom Thibodeau's desires. 

The Knicks have always taken pride in their defense, and Smart's hustle would provide an immediate impact. But the team is on an eight-game win streak right now, so it might be in the team's best interest to leave the roster alone.

New York returns to action on Thursday night when they host the Indiana Pacers (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).