Earlier today, reports and rumors indicated the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks were interested in Memphis Grizzlies’ Marcus Smart ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline. However, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, the Grizzlies are not interested in trading away the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year:
While several clubs — including the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, sources said — have phoned Memphis about obtaining defensive stalwart Marcus Smart, the Grizzlies have shut down any overtures for the veteran guard, sources said.
This news comes less than 24 hours after the Grizzlies traded center Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets.
In 20 games played this season, Smart is averaging 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. However, the 30-year-old has not appeared in a game since January 9 due to a right finger injury. At the time, the expectations were that Smart would miss approximately six weeks. This makes it likely he will not return until after All-Star Weekend.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart has sustained a severe right ring finger injury and will be sidelined for approximately six weeks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Another difficult injury blow in season for the Grizzlies. pic.twitter.com/sgHyp3D1bR
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 11, 2024
The Grizzlies acquired Smart from the Boston Celtics in a three-team trade this past offseason. Smart had previously been with the Celtics since the team drafted him in 2014.
NBA Rumors: Grizzlies Not Trading Guard Despite Interest
What’s Next for the Lakers?
The 25-25 Lakers have made their name noticed in the rumor mill recently. In addition to Smart, there are reports that the Lakers have shown interest in Dejounte Murray and Dorian Finney-Smith. On the flip side, the Lakers have reportedly made Gabe Vincent available:
Let it be known that Los Angeles has also been including injured point guard Gabe Vincent, who’s played just five games due to a knee injury, in various trade talks, sources said.
Furthermore, per ESPN, there are reports that the Lakers are actively looking to boost their team for the second half of the season:
The Lakers have been active in trade talks over the past month as they look to boost a team that is 25-25 and in ninth place in the Western Conference
It is unclear who exactly the Lakers will acquire at this year’s NBA Trade Deadline, but it is clear they are a team to keep an eye on.
What’s Next for the Bucks?
Trading for Smart would have been an obvious (and ironic) move for the Bucks. After losing Jrue Holiday to the Celtics, albeit indirectly, the Bucks have been disappointing on the defensive side of the ball. Smart, known for his defense and aggressiveness, would fit in nicely next to Damian Lillard in the backcourt. And like the Lakers, the Bucks have shown interest in Finney-Smith, along with his Brooklyn Nets teammate, Royce O’Neale:
A source told The Post the Nets rejected an offer of two first-rounders for Finney-Smith, reportedly coveted by not just the Lakers but also by the Mavericks, Bucks, Thunder, Suns and Kings. O’Neale could fetch a first-round pick, and has also been linked to the Mavericks, Nuggets, Pacers, Bucks, Timberwolves, Suns and Kings.
As they approach the second half, the 32-16 Bucks are looking for ways to improve their defense. And currently, it does not look like Smart is going to be available for them or any other team.
