Report: Rockets Want To Acquire Marcus Smart From Grizzlies

According to multiple NBA reports, the Houston Rockets want to acquire Marcus Smart from the Memphis Grizzlies. 

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka coached Smart on the Boston Celtics. 

“Houston is continuing to seek upgrades to help the team improve now, and Rockets coach Ime Udoka remains a fan of his former Celtics player, Marcus Smart, on the Grizzlies, league sources told HoopsHype,” NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported. “Amid trade conversations around the league, the Rockets continue to dangle the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and future draft pick compensation.”

Smart appeared in only 20 games for the Grizzlies in 2023-24 due to injuries. He averaged 14.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.1 steals and 0.3 blocks while shooting 43.0% from the field, 31.3% from beyond the arc and 76.8% from the free-throw line. 

“Rival teams continue to believe the Rockets have an interest in Memphis’ Marcus Smart in potential trade-down instances, despite recent pushback from team sources,” NBA insider Kelly Iko of The Athletic reported. “The Charlotte Hornets continue to express interest in acquiring the No. 3 pick, and one Western Conference executive identified center Mark Williams as someone Houston could have an interest in.”

One of the best defenders in the NBA, Smart has career averages of 10.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks with the Celtics and Grizzlies. He’ll make $20.2 million next season. 

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Grizzlies are not interested in trading Smart. 

“The Grizzlies, sources said, have no interest in parting with Marcus Smart,” Fischer reported. “Memphis has received strong interest from rival teams about Luke Kennard, sources said, in advance of the Grizzlies’ decision on his $14.7 million team option for 2024-25.”

The Grizzlies went only 27-55 in 2023-24. Superstar point guard Ja Morant played in just nine games and former MVP Derrick Rose appeared in only 24.