![\"Boston](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/122308364.jpg\" "\\"Jayson")
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown (Image via Getty) The Boston Celtics could be on the verge of reuniting with a familiar face as they navigate a crucial offseason. Amid ongoing efforts to stay below the NBA\u2019s restrictive second apron, the Celtics are exploring ways to bolster their backcourt depth, and a return for former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart is reportedly on their radar.<\/p>\n
Smart a Logical Depth Option After Holiday Trade<\/p>\n
Following the trade of Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in June, Boston\u2019s guard rotation now leans heavily on Derrick White and Anfernee Simons. While both players are capable starters, the Boston Celtics lack experienced depth behind them \u2014 an issue the front office may soon address.According to Vishwesha Kumar of Yardbarker, Marcus Smart could be a target if his current team, the Washington Wizards, pursues a buyout.\u201cSmart would provide much-needed leadership, defense, and familiarity at a team-friendly deal,\u201d Kumar noted in his report. \u201cHis return would energize the fan base and stabilize a locker room that\u2019s lost much of its core.\u201d (H\/t: Sporting News)<\/p>\n
Journey Since Boston Celtics Exit<\/p>\n
![\"Marcus](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/marcus-smart.jpg\" "\\"Marcus")
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Marcus Smart (Image via Getty)<\/p>\n
Marcus Smart, the former No. 6 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, spent nine seasons with Boston before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in June 2023 as part of the Kristaps Porzingis deal. That trade was initially seen as a bold move to reshape the roster around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.However, Porzingis was subsequently shipped to the Atlanta Hawks in another cost-cutting trade, and Smart\u2019s time in Memphis was short-lived. He was dealt to Washington in February 2025, where he has since been part of a rebuilding Wizards squad focused on developing young talent.<\/p>\n
Why a Buyout Appears Likely<\/p>\n
Given the Wizards\u2019 youth-focused direction, a buyout for the 31-year-old guard is increasingly realistic. With Smart on an expiring $21.6 million contract and limited trade interest due to that hefty salary, parting ways through a buyout may benefit both parties.If bought out, Marcus Smart would likely attract interest from multiple teams seeking a defensive-minded veteran on a bargain deal \u2014 and the Celtics could be at the front of that line.<\/p>\n
Leadership and Familiarity for Young Celtics Core<\/p>\n
Boston\u2019s roster has experienced significant turnover in the past two seasons, losing key veterans and reshaping its identity. A Smart reunion could bring leadership, defensive intensity, and stability to a locker room still finding its footing.He would also serve as a valuable mentor for the Boston Celtics\u2019 younger players, including recent additions Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez.<\/p>\n
Marcus Smart\u2019s 2024-25 Stats<\/p>\n
Despite an injury-marred campaign split between Memphis and Washington, Marcus Smart\u2019s defensive impact and veteran presence remain attractive qualities.Here\u2019s a look at his numbers from the 2024-25 regular season:StatValue Points per game 9.0 Assists per game 3.2 Rebounds per game 2.1 Steals per game 1.1 Field Goal % 39.3% Minutes per game 20.0<\/p>\n
Fan Sentiment Favors Smart Return<\/p>\n