Dallas Mavericks: Could they trade for Marcus Smart? Will the Mavs?

Examining the fit between Marcus Smart and the Dallas Mavericks

Smart would be a fantastic fit in Dallas. He brings the tough and physical perimeter defense the Mavericks lack. The 26-year-old made the NBA All-Defensive first-team for the second straight year in 2020. Smart ranked tied of 49th in FiveThirtyEight’s Defensive RAPTOR.

Numbers aside, just watch Smart on the court. He nearly always guards the opposition’s best perimeter scorer and is not afraid to take on anyone. The two players Smart matched up on most this season were Kawhi Leonard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to NBA Stats.

The 26-year-old continues to improve his offensive game. He averaged 12.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.7 steals in 32.0 minutes per game this season. Smart put up 1.01 points per possession as a pick and roll ball-handler which ranked in the top 14 percent in the NBA. No team runs more pick and rolls than the Mavericks.

Dallas would try to continue to improve his shot. Smart connected on 35.5 percent from 3-point range over the last two seasons combined. That is impressive considering his career mark is 31.8 percent. He struggled on catch and shoot threes this season hitting just 31.4 percent. That is not ideal when playing off Luka Doncic.

The massive positive impact Marcus Smart would make on the defensive end outweighs the rest of his game. The Dallas Mavericks would love to add the 26-year-old this offseason, but how do they get it done?

Next: Bleacher Report trade