After a quiet offseason with no mention of Marcus Smart, his absence from key moments like the exit interviews and preseason practices has raised eyebrows in Memphis. Heading into media day, Smart was still not on the official training camp roster, fueling speculation about his future with the Grizzlies. Following the decision to waive Derrick Rose, Smart could be the next major move the team explores as they prepare for the season ahead.
Smart Is The Defensive Edge The Lakers Need
Potential Trade Package
Lakers receive: Marcus Smart
Grizzlies receive: D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino
Marcus Smart’s 2023-24 season was riddled with setbacks, as he played only 20 games due to multiple injuries, including a left foot sprain that sidelined him for 17 games early in the season, followed by a significant right finger injury in January, making it a frustrating debut season with the Grizzlies. With these challenges, Smart still managed to average 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.1 steals, showing flashes of his trademark defensive brilliance when healthy.
For the Lakers, acquiring Smart would bolster their perimeter defense, giving them a player capable of locking down top opposing guards while also handling secondary playmaking duties. Though his offensive output dipped, his defensive leadership and experience could prove invaluable, especially alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Smart’s intensity and playoff experience would be a great fit for a team looking to maximize their window with their current stars.
On the other side, the Grizzlies would get D’Angelo Russell, who averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in 2023-24 with the Lakers. Russell would give the Grizzlies a steady scoring option and a more reliable ball handler to complement Ja Morant. Adding sophomore Jalen Hood-Schifino would also give the Grizzlies a young talent to develop, offering depth and potential for the future as they look to remain competitive in the Western Conference.
The Pacers Strengthen The Defense With Smart
Potential Trade Package
Pacers receive: Marcus Smart
Grizzlies receive: Obi Toppin, 2025 second-round pick (via Grizzlies), 2025 second-round pick (via Pacers)
The Indiana Pacers, coming off a surprise trip to the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals, might eye ways to improve their roster as they aim to make another deep playoff run. While their offense, led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, has been dynamic, their perimeter defense was a glaring weakness last season. Despite an impressive 47-35 record, the Pacers ranked 24th in defensive rating and allowed a staggering 120.2 points per game, which was one of the worst in the league. The addition of Marcus Smart could instantly address these defensive concerns.
Smart’s elite defense and leadership would give Indiana the perimeter stopper they desperately need to match up against top guards in the Eastern Conference. His experience and toughness could complement the young core and add a championship-caliber mentality to the locker room. While Smart had an injury-shortened 2023-24 season, his real value lies in his defensive prowess This move could be the key to elevating the Pacers’ defense to a level capable of contending for a title.
For the Grizzlies, this trade would bring Obi Toppin, a high-energy forward who consistently contributes on both ends of the floor. Toppin had a strong year with the Pacers, showing significant growth in his three-point shooting and overall defense. His ability to run the floor and finish in transition would make him an upgrade over Memphis’ current forwards, like Brandon Clarke and Santi Aldama. Toppin’s versatility and dependability, coupled with two future second-round picks, give the Grizzlies valuable assets for their future.
The Kings Add Much Needed Defensive Grit
Potential Trade Package
Kings receive: Marcus Smart
Grizzlies receive: Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles, 2026 second-round pick (via Kings)
The Kings are bringing in Marcus Smart here to address a glaring need for perimeter defense, especially after their lackluster defensive performance in 2023-24. With DeMar DeRozan joining the roster and the team looking to improve on their 46-36 record, Smart’s defensive tenacity could be the missing piece to help them contend deeper into the playoffs. He could also bring leadership and toughness, making the Kings’ defense more resilient against top scorers in the West.
On the other hand, the Grizzlies get excellent value in Kevin Huerter, a sharpshooter who averaged 10.2 points on 36.1% three-point shooting before a shoulder injury ended his season in March. His ability to stretch the floor will be a perfect fit next to Ja Morant, adding much-needed spacing for the Grizzlies’ offense. Meanwhile, Trey Lyles provides frontcourt versatility, capable of playing both forward spots and bringing depth to a rotation that struggled with injuries last year.
This trade balances both teams well, as the Kings shore up their defense, while the Grizzlies improve the scoring and frontcourt depth, setting them both up for stronger playoff pushes.
The Warriors Shake Things Up With Smart’s Arrival
Potential Trade Package
Warriors receive: Marcus Smart
Grizzlies receive: Andrew Wiggins, 2027 first-round pick (via Warriors)
Searching for a defensive identity post-Klay Thompson’s departure, the Warriors bring in Marcus Smart to fill that void. Smart’s well-documented defensive prowess and leadership would add a much-needed edge on the perimeter. With Thompson now in Dallas, Smart provides the perfect backcourt partner to complement Stephen Curry. His ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses would be crucial for a Warriors team looking to get back into title contention.
On the Grizzlies’ side, acquiring Andrew Wiggins helps them maintain flexibility and adds a versatile wing scorer. Wiggins, who averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 2023-24, is a proven two-way player who could fill the gaps left by Smart’s departure. His ability to play both ends of the floor, combined with his athleticism, allows him to contribute alongside Ja Morant and Desmond Bane. Additionally, securing a 2027 first-round pick adds long-term value, as Memphis continues to build a sustainable contender.
While Golden State prioritizes defense with Smart, Memphis gains a scorer and defender in Wiggins, giving both teams a chance to improve for their respective goals in the coming seasons.
The Thunder Take Another Leap On Defense
Potential Trade Package
Thunder receive: Marcus Smart
Grizzlies receive: Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins
The Oklahoma City Thunder have made some bold offseason moves, trading Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso and signing Isaiah Hartenstein. These moves signal their readiness to push for serious playoff contention, and adding Marcus Smart would be the icing on the cake. After a season where the Thunder were knocked out earlier than expected, Smart’s experience as a former Defensive Player of the Year and NBA champion brings a championship mentality that OKC craves.
Smart would slot in perfectly next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, giving the Thunder an elite backcourt that can compete defensively with anyone in the league. With Caruso and Smart locking down the perimeter, the Thunder would have one of the most formidable defensive backcourts in the NBA. These veteran additions will provide invaluable leadership to a young core that includes Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, helping the Thunder take the next step.
Moving Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins would be a tough decision for the Thunder, as both are key rotation players. Dort’s rugged defense and ability to guard the league’s best wings have been crucial to OKC’s identity, but Marcus Smart’s all-around game is a clear upgrade. As for Wiggins, he’s shown promise but is still developing, and in Memphis, he could carve out a more prominent role. Overall, while the Thunder would lose some depth, the addition of Smart elevates their ceiling and brings them closer to contending in a stacked Western Conference.
