Report: Knicks Interested In Trading For Marcus Smart

According to NBA reporter Kris Pursiainen, the New York Knicks are interested in trading for Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart. 

Smart is entering Year 2 with the Grizzlies. 

The New York Knicks have had internal discussions about a potential deal for Marcus Smart per sources familiar with the situation.

NYK has had rumored interest in Smart before. No deal is imminent but several sources indicated the Knicks are willing to be active on the market. pic.twitter.com/RZZzIFRKS0

— Kris Pursiainen (@krispursiainen) October 5, 2024

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. 

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 Boston Celtics and Grizzlies. He’ll make $20.2 million this season. 

In June, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Grizzlies were not interested in trading Smart. 

The Knicks made two massive trades in the offseason. They acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

New York also re-signed OG Anunoby.

The Grizzlies missed the playoffs last season, while the Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round in seven games. 

Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ top player, told NBA reporters last month that he was “completely comfortable” with his decision to leave $113 million on the table.

Brunson signed a four-year, $156 million extension with New York. He left over $113 million on the table by not signing an extension next offseason. 

“I think about every decision that I make and I’m completely comfortable with what I’ve done,” Brunson said, via ESPN. “Obviously I’m well off, myself and my family, we’re obviously well off, so that’s first and foremost. But I want to win. I want to win here.”

Brunson will make $24.9 million this season. He averaged 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists for the Knicks in 2023-24 while shooting 47.9% from the floor, 40.1% from 3 and 84.7% from the free-throw line.