Marcus Smart was expected to be a veteran leader on an up-and-coming Grizzlies squad, but his stint didn’t end up working out in Memphis. So, at February’s trade deadline, he was shipped to the rebuilding Wizards to finish out the season in what was effectively a salary dump.
Smart could be on the move again this summer. Per NBA insider Matt Moore, the Wizards are looking to trade Smart to a contender, though there’s been little interest thus far. That doesn’t mean Washington can’t eventually find a suitor as teams look for players after the draft and free agency.
Smart, 31, is in the final year of his contract, making $21.6 million for the 2025-26 season. He averaged 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists this past season in 34 games (seven starts) between the Grizzlies and Wizards. Staying healthy has been the issue for Smart in recent seasons.
But if a contender is looking for guard depth, Smart could be a formidable option. He doesn’t stuff the stat sheet, but as Celtics fans know, he can elevate his game in the playoffs. Smart does have some unpredictability to his game, but when it comes to being an emotional leader, Boston fans embraced him during his time with the Celtics.
Smart spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Celtics after being drafted sixth overall in 2014, making the playoffs every single year. There were impressive highs, including the 2022 NBA Finals run. But after the Celtics fell short to the Heat in the 2023 East Finals, the front office elected to go a different direction.
Smart was included in the Kristaps Porzingis three-team trade with the Grizzlies and Wizards that also netted the Celtics draft assets. While the Grizzlies looked like a potential contender, they’ve taken step backs in recent seasons. Smart only played in 39 total games in Memphis in 1.5 seasons as he couldn’t stay healthy.
It’s been a minute since Smart has shown what he’s able to do on an NBA court. There were some light flashes in Washington, but for a young, rebuilding team, the spotlight isn’t as bright like during the Celtics’ deep playoff runs. So the Wizards will look to potentially move Smart as the veteran guard will hope to build up his career again.