Marcus Smart was brought in to serve as a veteran presence for the young Memphis Grizzlies, but his time there didn’t go as planned. At the trade deadline in February, Memphis sent him to the Washington Wizards in what amounted to a salary dump.
Now, Smart may be on the move again. According to NBA insider Matt Moore, Washington is exploring trade options to send Smart to a playoff-caliber team, although interest has been limited so far. Still, the market could shift after the NBA Draft and free agency as teams reassess their needs. Smart, 31, is entering the final year of his contract, which is worth $21.6 million for the 2025–26 season. He averaged 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 34 games (seven starts) split between Memphis and Washington this past season. Injuries have plagued him in recent years.
Despite his modest numbers, Smart could provide valuable depth for a contender. While he may not light up the stat sheet, Celtics fans remember how he elevated his performance in the postseason. Known for his intensity and leadership, Smart became a fan favorite in Boston during his nine-year tenure, which included playoff appearances every season and a trip to the NBA Finals in 2022. However, after falling to the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics decided to pivot, including Smart in the three-team trade that brought Kristaps Porziņģis to Boston and sent Smart to Memphis.
While Memphis was once seen as a team on the rise, they’ve regressed recently. Smart struggled to stay healthy, appearing in just 39 games over one and a half seasons. In Washington, his performances were inconsistent, and the rebuilding team lacked the high-stakes environment that once showcased his playoff grit. Now, the Wizards are expected to try and move him again, with Smart aiming for a fresh start and a chance to prove himself once more.
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