Brad Stevens reportedly frustrated with Marcus Smart, likely to trade guard

Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart could be traded this summer in light of recent reports of frustrations he caused for Brad Stevens.

Stevens, who served as Boston’s coach from 2013-21, replaced Danny Ainge as the team’s director of basketball operations this spring. Now leading in the front office, Stevens’ interactions with players as a coach might influence another offseason move.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, sources indicate that Stevens became increasingly frustrated with Smart’s unpredictable play in the past few years. Despite the 27-year-old guard being one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, two sources told Mannix that it’s more likely Smart is traded this summer than signed to an extension.

It wouldn’t be the first time Stevens’ feelings about a player he coached a few months ago influenced his decision as Boston’s top basketball executive. He orchestrated the blockbuster Kemba Walker trade, and reports surfaced later detailing the rocky relationship between the two.