Celtics Trade Rumors: Timberwolves 'Definitely' Trying to Acquire Marcus Smart

Amid their recent hot streak that has moved them firmly into playoff contention, the Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly looking to make a big move before Thursday's trade deadline.

Per Darren Wolfson of SKOR North, the Timberwolves are "definitely" trying to acquire Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics.

Wolfson also noted that unless Minnesota is willing to include a first-round draft pick or Jaden McDaniels in a package with Malik Beasley, a deal "most likely doesn't get done."

Smart's name has frequently come up in trade rumors this season, though the Celtics' recent success could alter their plans before the deadline.

B/R's Eric Pincus reported on Jan. 24 that the Dallas Mavericks have been linked to multiple players, including Smart.

Per The Athletic's Jared Weiss and Jon Krawczynski, the Celtics tried to engage the Timberwolves in a deal that would send Josh Richardson and one of either Romeo Langford or Aaron Nesmith to Minnesota for Beasley.

The T-Wolves rejected that proposal to "maintain flexibility for bigger moves at the deadline."

Smart is one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. He has also transformed himself into a solid offensive contributor, averaging 11.5 points and 5.5 assists per game in 45 starts this season.

The Celtics have won four straight and are 29-25. They currently sit in the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference but are only 3.5 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for the No. 3 seed.

The T-Wolves have won three straight and 11 of their last 16 games since Jan. 3. Their 27-25 record ranks seventh in the Western Conference, just one game behind the Denver Nuggets for the sixth seed and avoiding the play-in tournament.

The NBA trade deadline is at 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 10.