Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Marcus Smart could be on the move again.
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst reported Friday that the Memphis Grizzlies guard has been the focal point of “plenty of discussion” leading up to Thursday’s trade deadline. A league executive told Windhorst, “I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets moved for less than everyone might’ve thought a few months ago.”
The Boston Celtics traded Smart to the Grizzlies ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, durability has been a concern for the Oklahoma State product since he came over in the deal that landed Kristaps Porziņģis in Boston.
Smart played just 20 games last season and has been limited to 18 games this season. He last appeared in a contest on Dec. 21, and head coach Taylor Jenkins told reporters Wednesday he is still considered “week-to-week” with what was diagnosed in December as “a partial tear of the proximal extensor hood of his right index finger.”
While Memphis has played excellent basketball this season and sits in third place in the Western Conference standings at 32-16, it was surely hoping for more from Smart after acquiring him via trade.
After all, he was the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-Defensive First Team selection in Boston. He was known for his hard-nosed, physical style of play that figured to fit right in with the Grizzlies.
At his best, Smart could also provide timely scoring and outside shooting, which helped him average 10.6 points per game during his nine seasons with the Celtics.
Injuries have prevented him from playing like that version of himself in Memphis, but a change of scenery could help him rediscover that form. He turns 31 years old next month and is signed through the 2025-26 campaign, so he wouldn’t be a rental for just the stretch run for a team that traded for him.
As for the Grizzlies, they are accustomed to playing without him and could get valuable assets back in return if they are able to finalize a deal.
