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Marc Stein of the New York Times reported Monday that the Denver Nuggets have explored a trade for Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart.
Denver is among the teams that has explored Marcus Smart trade scenarios with Boston, according to league sources. Emmanuel Mudiay has been made available, sources say, but the Celts covet a first-round pick for Smart
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 5, 2018
Emmanuel Mudiay was the seventh pick in the 2015 draft, and has seen his minutes decrease in each of his first three seasons. He is a career 32% three point shooter and has had his struggles on the defensive end, leading to Denver going with Jamal Murray as their main ball handler.
Smart is sidelined for the next two weeks with a right hand laceration, and has continued to struggle from the outside, hitting just under 36% from the field and 30% from three on the year.
There have been multiple reports around Smart in the last week, including that the Celtics would be willing to listen to an offer for Smart if they received a first round pick. The rumors were reported due to Smart’s upcoming restricted free agency, while a separate report suggests that Smart won’t make more than a mid-level exception.
Reminder that the trade deadline is this Thursday, February 8th at 3 p.m. EST.