The Memphis Grizzlies are hoping to get back into the Western Conference playoff race next season. The No. 2 seed in 2022 and 2023, Memphis missed the playoffs entirely last season, with injuries to Ja Morant and other key players decimating their season.
Marcus Smart was one of Memphis’ big additions heading into last season, but he only played 20 games due to injuries. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year with the Boston Celtics, Smart is a three-time All-Defensive guard who should really help Memphis if healthy.
If Memphis fails to firmly get back into the playoff race, could Smart be on the verge of being traded? In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus He listed the players he expects the Los Angeles Lakers to be linked to next season, and detailed the possibility of Smart becoming available.
Marcus Smart received a standing ovation from Celtics fans for his return to Boston βοΈ
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βThe Grizzlies are hoping to put a dismal 2023-24 season behind them and resume their playoff run,β Pincus wrote. ββ¦ With that in mind, Smart is currently unavailable. But if the team hits a roadblock, Smart could become available at the deadline based on his age, salary and position, as the team has invested heavily in Desmond Bane and Morant.β
Pincus added: “It’s too early to assess the asking price, but Russell’s expiring contract plus Hood Schifino currently functions as a two-team trade without subjecting Memphis to the luxury tax.”
The Grizzlies have a few emerging young players who need a bigger role next season, though one of those players is GG Jackson, who recently underwent foot surgery. If the team feels they aren’t firmly in contention and want to acquire assets for Smart, Pincus believes the Lakers could be a team tied to the veteran guard.
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