In a jaw-dropping turn of events, the Boston Celtics could be on the verge of a blockbuster reunion with one of their most beloved former stars. According to NBA insider Jake Weinbach, the idea of Marcus Smart returning to Beantown is far from a pipe dream. As the Washington Wizards pivot toward a youth-driven rebuild, the 31-year-old defensive maestro might just find his way back to the team where he carved out his legacy.
The Celtics have already shaken up their roster this offseason, parting ways with key pieces like Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Luke Kornet. But bringing back Smart, the heart and soul of Boston’s gritty identity for nearly a decade, would be a move that electrifies fans and reshapes the team’s dynamic.
Smart, the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, is in the final year of a four-year, $76.5 million contract he originally signed with Boston in 2021. His journey since leaving the Celtics has been rocky—traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023 as part of the deal that brought Porzingis to Boston, then flipped to Washington in a separate three-team trade last February. Injuries and the natural wear of time have limited Smart to just 54 games over the past two seasons, but his fire, leadership, and defensive prowess remain undeniable.
For Boston, the appeal is clear. Smart’s familiarity with the organization, having spent his first nine NBA seasons with the Celtics, makes him a seamless fit. He’s already played under head coach Joe Mazzulla and has deep chemistry with core players like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. As a replacement for Holiday, Smart could slide into the role of a battle-tested point guard who brings tenacity and defensive grit—qualities that helped Boston reach the NBA Finals in 2022.
A potential reunion between Marcus Smart and the Celtics would not be off the table.
The Wizards, who now carry 17 players on the active roster, are expected to offload key veterans to make room for younger assets and would reportedly prefer to send Smart to a desired location.
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) July 10, 2025
The Wizards, meanwhile, are reportedly open to moving Smart as they focus on developing younger talent. This opens the door for a potential homecoming, but it won’t come without challenges. Smart’s $21.3 million salary for the 2025-26 season poses a hurdle for the Celtics, who are working to stay under the NBA’s second apron after their recent trades. To make the deal work, Boston would likely need to send a significant contract back to Washington, requiring some creative salary cap maneuvering.
While Smart’s recent injury history raises questions, his heart and hustle remain unmatched. A return to Boston could reignite the spark that made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the Celtics’ culture. If the front office can navigate the financial complexities, this reunion could be the spark that propels Boston back to championship contention.
Could Marcus Smart once again don the green and white, charging into TD Garden to the roar of the Celtics faithful? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this potential reunion has Boston buzzing with excitement.