The Memphis Grizzlies made a significant move by acquiring Marcus Smart in the offseason, despite the fact that it meant his departure from the Boston Celtics, a team he cherished. The Grizzlies were driven to bring in the veteran guard due to his valuable contributions, particularly his defensive prowess and leadership qualities. As Memphis aims to contend for a championship next season, they view Smart as a crucial component in their pursuit. However, if the team’s championship aspirations fall short, they might consider trading the 30-year-old to a Western Conference team.
In a recent Bleacher Report article, Eric Pincus listed Marcus Smart as a potential trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers. Pincus noted that while the Grizzlies are currently focused on bouncing back from a challenging 2023-24 season—marked by injuries and off-court issues, notably with star guard Ja Morant—Smart is not available at the moment. However, if Memphis faces further setbacks, Smart could be a trade candidate due to his age, salary, and position, especially with the team’s significant investment in players like Desmond Bane and Morant. Additionally, Jaren Jackson Jr. will be due for a new contract starting in the 2026-27 season.
For now, it seems unlikely that the Grizzlies will part ways with Smart, given their plans to field a fully healthy core, including Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Smart. Trading the veteran guard, especially to a conference rival, would be an unexpected move for the team’s general manager, Zach Kleiman. For the time being, it appears Smart will remain with Memphis, as the team is committed to maximizing his contributions for a successful season.
