Three-Team Trade Sending Marcus Smart To Wizards Now Official

The three-team NBA trade involving the Grizzlies, Wizards, and Kings is now official, according to press releases from all three organizations. Here are the key details:

• Grizzlies:
  • Acquiring:
    • Marvin Bagley III (from Wizards)
    • Johnny Davis (from Wizards)
    • 2028 second-round pick (from Kings)
    • One additional second-round pick (possibly from Wizards)
  • Trading:
    • Marcus Smart (to Wizards)
    • 2025 first-round pick (to Wizards)
• Kings:
  • Acquiring:
    • Jake LaRavia (from Grizzlies)
  • Trading:
    • Colby Jones (to Wizards)
    • Alex Len (to Wizards)
    • 2028 second-round pick (to Grizzlies)
• Wizards:
  • Acquiring:
    • Marcus Smart (from Grizzlies)
    • Colby Jones (from Kings)
    • Alex Len (from Kings)
    • 2025 first-round pick (from Grizzlies; top-14 protected)
  • Trading:
    • Marvin Bagley III (to Grizzlies)
    • Johnny Davis (to Grizzlies)
    • 2028 second-round pick (to Grizzlies)
    • 2025 second-round pick (to Grizzlies)

KEY POINTS:

• Marcus Smart’s tenure in Memphis has been disappointing, with the former Defensive Player of the Year limited to just 39 appearances over two seasons due to injuries. His production this season has been below expectations, averaging just 8.7 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals in 19 games.
• Jake LaRavia has performed well in limited minutes for the Grizzlies this season, averaging 7.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 47 games. However, Memphis declined his rookie option, which could impact his future with the Kings.
• Wizards’ Rebuilding Plans: Washington is taking a chance on Smart, hoping his health improves and he could become a trade asset next season. The primary motivation behind the trade is acquiring the 2025 first-round pick from Memphis.
• Kings’ Low-Risk Move: Sacramento is making a modest investment by acquiring LaRavia, without giving up key rotation players. The deal provides flexibility for a playoff push, and even if LaRavia doesn’t re-sign, the Kings are not significantly impacted.
• Financial Implications: The trade helps all three teams clear cap space for the 2024-25 season, offering them potential flexibility in the buyout market or future NBA deals.