Report: Grizzlies Could Trade Marcus Smart

According to NBA insider Tim Bontemps of ESPN, the Memphis Grizzlies could trade Marcus Smart. 

Smart has only played in 18 games this season due to injuries. 

“One Memphis player to watch over the next week is guard Marcus Smart,” Bontemps wrote. “League sources told me there has been plenty of discussion about the former Defensive Player of the Year in recent weeks. With more than 100 playoff games under his belt, Smart could be an interesting option for playoff teams, though he has played only a combined 38 games overall across the past two seasons in Memphis due to a series of injuries and is currently out with an index finger injury on his right (shooting) hand. Smart’s absence has created opportunities for young players such as Rookie of the Year contender Jaylen Wells, GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr.

“Memphis would also potentially benefit from opening up salary next summer to both get a contract extension done with Jackson Jr. and re-sign Santi Aldama. That all makes Smart’s situation one to monitor.”

Smart is making $20.2 million this season. He’s averaging 9.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks while shooting 37.3% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 83.3% from the free-throw line. 

The Grizzlies acquired Smart from the Boston Celtics in 2023. Smart has only appeared in 38 games with Memphis. He’s gotten hurt several times in a Grizzlies uniform. 

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 won the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Award. 

Smart will make $21.6 million next season in the final year of his contract. 

The Grizzlies are 32-16 on the season. They are in third place in the Western Conference standings. Taylor Jenkins’ group is first in the NBA in points per game and fifth in net rating.