NBA Roundup: Marcus Smart Stays Safe With Celtics at Trade Deadline

It’s been a big week for the NBA with the trade deadline coming and going on Thursday with no shortage of drama. Not only that, we get to add former Cowboy Markel Brown to the round-up as he is now contributing to the Houston Rockets.

Let’s get to it!

Marcus Smart | Boston Celtics

Last Week: Celtics 3-1

The NBA Trade deadline has come and gone and Marcus Smart remains a Celtic.

His name popped up a few times, attached to multiple teams, including the Nuggets and Thunder. But in the end, the Celtics’ asking price was too high for other teams to pay.

The Celtics are chasing that extra first-round pick in Marcus Smart trade talks in hopes of flipping it in a deal for either Lou Williams or Tyreke Evans, league sources say

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 6, 2018

Meanwhile, Smart remains out of the line-up while healing from his lacerated hand. At least one report says Smart expects to return to the lineup after the All-Star break.

Tony Allen | Chicago Bulls

Last Week: Bulls 0-3

Allen did get traded, sent from the Pelicans to the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls were unable to find a trade partner after acquiring him, though not from a lack of trying.

There were reports that the Bulls and Thunder were discussing a trade leading up to the deadline to deal the veteran defensive stopper, but nothing transpired.

That doesn’t meant he can’t end up in OKC. Many believe Chicago will waive Allen, allowing him to become a free agent where he can pick whatever team he wants to play for.

Allen has been kept off the court by a leg injury that’s taking longer than expected to heal. However, once he’s back, he could make a valuable bench player for a contender looking for someone with playoff experience and defensive talent to contribute a couple of minutes a night.

Jawun Evans | Los Angeles Clippers

Last Week: Clippers: 2-0

That’s three out of three players still recovering from injury. For Evans, it’s unknown how long he will be out.

In the latest report, Evans is recovering from a groin and abdominal strain. His injury comes at an inopportune time too. With Bradley joining the roster, Milos Teodosic finally healthy, and Austin Rivers returning soon (seriously?) Evans will likely return to active duty to find his role significantly reduced. It’s a disappointing development for what has been a solid overall rookie season.

Markel Brown | Houston Rockets

Last Week: Rockets 4-0

Welcome to the round-up, Brown. The former Cowboy joined the Rockets roster back in mid-January, but hadn’t seen action until the last week.

He hit one of four attempts in the Rockets’ win over Cleveland back on January 3rd. He also saw 16 minutes of action against the Heat on the 7th, but ended the game with two rebounds, no shots, and four fouls.

Brown has bounced around the league since getting drafted in the second round in 2014 by the Nets. He’s now seen time with Brooklyn, Cleveland, OKC, and Houston.