Memphis Grizzlies Trade Marcus Smart in Multiteam Deal Ahead of NBA Deadline

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies have traded veteran guard Marcus Smart and a 2025 first-round pick in a multiteam deal that sends two second-round picks to the Grizzlies, sources confirmed to ESPN‘s Shams Charania on Wednesday. The move creates roster flexibility for Memphis as the NBA trade deadline looms.

Smart, who has been sidelined since Dec. 21 with a right index finger injury, has struggled to stay healthy since joining the Grizzlies in June 2023. The former Defensive Player of the Year has missed more games in the past two seasons than during his entire tenure with the Boston Celtics. Despite his injuries, Smart remains a high-level defender, holding opponents to below 40% shooting as a primary defender over the past two seasons, according to ESPN Research.

The trade comes as the Grizzlies, currently holding the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with a 35-16 record, weigh their options ahead of Thursday’s 2 p.m. CT trade deadline. Memphis has full control of its future first-round picks and the contracts to make a significant move without disrupting its core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane.

In January, the Grizzlies targeted Dorian Finney-Smith as a cost-efficient veteran wing, signaling their interest in adding proven role players. However, with star players like Zach LaVine and Brandon Ingram already off the market, Memphis may pivot to acquiring elite role players such as Brooklyn Nets‘ Cam Johnson or veterans like Bobby Portis and Tyus Jones.

While Morant, Bane, and Jackson are considered untouchable, players like Santi Aldama and Jay Huff have solidified their roles on the team. Aldama, a restricted free agent after this season, has become a key contributor, while Huff provides value as a reserve big on a cost-effective contract.

Other trade candidates on the Grizzlies’ roster include John Konchar, Jake LaRavia, Scotty Pippen Jr., Luke Kennard, and Brandon Clarke. Each player could be part of a deal if Memphis decides to make a move before the deadline.

Damichael Cole, beat writer for The Commercial Appeal, contributed to this report.