NBA Rumors: Marcus Smart Trade Calls Rebuffed by Grizzlies; Was Eyed by Lakers, Bucks

Mike Chiari@@mikechiariFeatured Columnist IVFebruary 2, 2024

Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images

Despite posting a disappointing 18-30 record so far this season, the Memphis Grizzlies reportedly aren’t interested in trading veteran guard Marcus Smart.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, multiple teams have called the Grizzlies about Smart, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, but Memphis has “shut down any overtures.”

Memphis acquired Smart from the Boston Celtics in a three-team trade during the offseason in hopes of pairing him with Ja Morant, but Morant was limited to just nine games this season due to a suspension followed by a season-ending shoulder injury.

Originally selected sixth overall by the Celtics in the 2014 NBA draft, Smart enjoyed great success during his nine seasons in Boston.

While he averaged just 10.6 points per game in 581 regular-season games, he established himself as an elite defensive player, earning three NBA All-Defensive Team selections and winning the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.

With Boston acquiring Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday during the offseason, it had to ship someone away, and Smart became the odd man out.

The 29-year-old veteran has been a bright spot for the Grizzlies when he has played this season, averaging a career-high 14.5 points per game to go along with 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 2.1 three-pointers made, but injuries have been an issue.

Smart has been limited to just 20 games due to a foot sprain followed by a right ring finger injury that is expected to keep him out for at least six weeks.

He has not appeared in a game since the Grizzlies’ 120-103 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 9.

While Smart is not a go-to offensive player, his defensive acumen makes him exactly the type of player who would fit well on contending teams that are expecting to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Although they are only 25-25 this season, the Lakers fit the bill since they reached the Western Conference Finals last season and anticipate contending again this season with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the way.

The Bucks are perennial contenders in the Eastern Conference, and they are in championship-or-bust mode after acquiring Damian Lillard during the offseason to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Smart would undoubtedly take the perimeter defense to the next level for both teams, and he would provide a secondary ball-handler behind James and Lillard, respectively.

However, it looks as though the Lakers and Bucks will have to look elsewhere to add a supporting cast member before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

As for the Grizz, keeping Smart is understandable since they likely view themselves as playoff and potentially even championship contenders next season and beyond once they get a healthy Morant back in the fold.