Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Smart (Photo : The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Rumors about the Boston Celtics' young backcourt are possibly getting traded before the deadline are buzzing around.
According to Sports Cheat Sheet, the Celtics could deal their young backcourt, which essentially includes Isaiah Thomas and Marcus Smart. The report also suggested that it would be wise for the team's general manager Danny Ainge to decide as soon as possible to determine who they will have in their long-term plan.
Ever since breaking up with their veteran core of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, the Celtics have gone down the pecking order of the NBA's Power Rankings, which forced them to consider rebuilding for the future.
The arrival of coach Brad Stevens helped a bit after taking the Celtics into the playoffs last season, but the pieces have yet to click for Boston.
Thomas has been putting up decent numbers for the Celtics in the club's first six games of the 2015-2016 NBA regular season. The 26-year-old averaged 21.7 points and 5.8 assists, while playing for 30.2 minutes.
Smart, on the other hand, has been limited early in the season due to a sprained left toe. But in his first three games this year, he averaged as solid 12.0 points and 3.7 assists.
Dealing one of them could be possible, considering that the Celtics franchise is not known for rebuilding too much and has always stayed relevant due to their rich basketball history. But with Thomas locked up for the next two years, and Marcus for three years, it would be hard for Ainge to maneuver a deal involving these youngsters.
However, there are teams that could certainly use the point guard skills of Thomas and Smart. The New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks could be the ideal landing spot if the C's decide to dispatch Thomas and Smart.
The Mavs are putting a subpar performance this season, but it is understandable given the fact that the team does not have much talent surrounding Dirk Nowitzki, especially with Chandler Parsons getting very limited minutes due to a recent injury.
Real GM trade checker approved a straight swap for Mav's JJ Barea and Raymond Felton, although it is unlikely the Celtics would trade for a declining Felton, plus Barea could not be traded until December 2015.
On the other hand, the Knicks could probably take interest in Thomas and Smart as the team lack depth at point guard position.
New York's starting PG Jose Calderon is struggling big time in Derek Fisher's offense. In the first eight games of the Knicks, he only averaged 5.6 points on a dismal 32.7 shooting from the field.
Langston Galloway is becoming a much reliable point guard for the Knicks, averaging 12.3 points, while shooting a remarkable 62.1 percent from downtown.
It is highly doubtful the Knicks would give up Galloway, but a deal could be completed if other pieces are involved. Real GM trade checker approved a potential deal if it would include Derrick Williams.
While these trades remain rumors, it could still be considered a possibility for the Celtics with the way Ainge does magic when it comes to acquiring key players.
