New York Bound?
One trade that’s already been mentioned is a deal that sends Smart to the Knicks in exchange for young the Marc Gasol impresario, Willy Hernangomez. The 23-year old Spaniard isn’t much for defense, but he was one of the lone bright spots on a dreadful New York team. In Brad Stevens’ offense, he’d be brilliant. He’ll also make as much in the next three years as Smart is owed next season.
Whether the Knicks would want to part with someone they currently view as a foundational piece – not to mention Kristaps Porzingis’ best friend on the team – is a different story. It doesn’t help that Smart could end up as a one year rental.
The fact that New York would likely turn down the deal is telling. It is especially so given that they’re one of the few teams Smart would start for next year.
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More than anything, Smart’s case is indicative of just how much the NBA landscape has changed in the last twelve months. Most teams wouldn’t have thought twice about paying him $15 million last July. As the last week has shown, times have certainly changed.