The Memphis Grizzlies are on the roll as one of the hottest teams in the NBA this season.
After last year’s forgettable run marred by injuries and mediocrity, the Memphis Grizzlies are now back under the basketball spotlight.
As Ja Morant is now relatively healthy with both Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane being at the front as well, the Grizzlies are once again a force to reckon with. Boasting a deep and talented core, they sit atop the NBA standings as the West’s third seed at 32-16.
Yet despite being in a strong position already, the Grizzlies remained committed in improving themselves for the better. That can be seen when they commenced an aggressive chase for Dorian Finney-Smith, which turned out to be a failed pursuit, losing the sweepstakes against the Los Angeles Lakers.
And with less than a week to go before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, the Grizzlies are reportedly on the hunt yet again — seeking an ideal return from one of their key veterans.
The Grizzlies could make a huge move within the next couple of days in which Marcus Smart has been identified as their main piece to offer.
Per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Smart is a one player to watch who could be dealt in the trade market. There has been plenty of discussion surrounding the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner in recent weeks.
Smart, who was traded by the Boston Celtics to Memphis in a 2023 three-team deal, is an asset worth adding for some contending teams. This is due to his experience and leadership. He is averaging 9.2 points and 3.2 assists per night, but has been plagued by injuries since last season.
And by trading Smart, it could give the team plenty of room to renew their partnership with Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama this upcoming summer.
Bontemps wrote: “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.”
With how superb they are playing right now despite Smart’s absence, the Grizzlies’ potential intent to part ways with the veteran guard shouldn’t be even questioned, especially if it allows them to earn greater flexibility and cap space to maintain their core.
Smart will remain under contract until next season for $20m+ with the Grizzlies. That amount is highly significant for them if converted to an expiring player in order to give Jackson Jr. and Aldama their well-deserved extensions upon helping Memphis attain success this year.
Despite being in street clothes for most of the year, Smart continues to provide veteran presence and leadership around the team — an important segment that compelled the Grizzlies to trade for him two years ago.
For now, we can only wait and see if Memphis will ultimately cut their ties with Smart as the defensive guard was previously linked as well with another Western Conference power.
