Report: OKC Thunder Expressed Interest in Marcus Smart

The loss of Andre Roberson opened a defensive void on the wing in Oklahoma City, and former Cowboy Marcus Smart is a potential suitor to fill it.

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor wrote a piece about the Thunder’s championship window, saying General Manager Sam Presti is looking to take advantage of OKC’s presumed championship window, but another wing defender is needed.

The Thunder's victory over the Warriors underlines how important it is to take advantage of their window. Sam Presti is active again on the trade market, according to sources. But what's attainable that can increase their playoff odds? https://t.co/GcQKioyXUs @ringer

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) February 7, 2018

Roberson, whose season ended after he tore his left patellar tendon against the Pistons on Jan. 28, is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Such prowess is difficult to replace, and having a defensive tandem of Roberson, Russell Westbrook and Paul George was thought to be one of the only answers to containing the prolific backcourt of Golden State.

Smart, who played two seasons at Oklahoma State, could make a move back to the Midwest before Thursday’s trade deadline. However, the Celtics are reportedly looking for a first-round pick for Smart as compensation.

The Thunder won’t have a first-round pick in this year’s NBA Draft unless they finish the season in the lottery. In which case, the addition of Marcus Smart would be for naught.

It remains to be seen whether the Celtics would be open to negotiating a different package for Smart, but nonetheless, the thought of Smart returning to Oklahoma is appealing to Thunder and Cowboys fans alike.