Marcus Smart, a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics for nine years, played an integral role in the team’s success. Not only did he become the first guard since Gary Payton in 1996 to be named Defensive Player of the Year, but under his leadership, the Celtics never missed the playoffs during his tenure. Despite his significant impact, Smart was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the Kristaps Porzingis deal in the offseason.
The Grizzlies’ season has faced numerous challenges, including injuries to key players like Ja Morant and the recently traded Steven Adams, dashing their hopes for a postseason run. Now, Smart’s name is circulating in trade rumors, with the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks expressing interest in acquiring the defensive stalwart, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
Despite the interest from other teams, the Grizzlies have reportedly rebuffed any attempts to acquire Smart. This defensive maestro, known for his ability to guard every position on the floor and make game-altering hustle plays, is a coveted asset for contenders like the Lakers and Bucks. Milwaukee, in particular, may be eyeing Smart as a potential replacement for Jrue Holiday, who ended up in Boston after an inadvertent move by the Bucks in the previous summer.
For the Celtics, seeing their former leader potentially join a conference rival or the Lakers, their historic adversary, would be a worst-case scenario. Such a development was likely not part of their near-future plans. With two more years left on his contract after the current season, Smart’s average annual value stands at $19.1 million.
However, the dynamics for the Grizzlies have shifted with the decision to part ways with Steven Adams. Smart, initially acquired as a valuable addition to the Memphis roster, could now serve as a valuable trade chip. The prospect of him landing with a direct rival, potentially impacting both the Grizzlies’ playoff chances and their fans’ morale, looms as a nightmare scenario for the team.
In summary, Marcus Smart’s unexpected move to the Memphis Grizzlies has sparked trade rumors, with the Lakers and Bucks expressing interest. Despite Smart’s prowess and appeal as a defensive asset, the Grizzlies have resisted any attempts to acquire him. For the Celtics, the possibility of their former leader influencing the playoff race with a conference rival is a situation they likely did not anticipate, adding a layer of complexity to the NBA landscape.
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