Coming off of a tough loss for Memphis against the New York Knicks, a chance at redemption is welcome. The Grizzlies get that opportunity tonight at home against the Houston Rockets. Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and the rest of the team likely are ready to move on from the embarrassing showing in New York.
They won’t be moving on alongside Marcus Smart, however, who remains out due to a finger injury. According to Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins, Smart has not even begun 3 on 3 team work as of yet. This means Smart is not only still out - he is far from a return.
This is a fitting time to remind you that the Memphis Grizzlies moved on from Tyus Jones (and a 1st round pick) to acquire the services of Smart, a player whose professionalism and versatility was viewed as a game changer for the Grizzlies.
And in fairness to Marcus, that has been true when he’s been on the court for the most part. The team has spoken of Smart’s value to them in terms of energy and leadership. And in numerous contests over the last season and a half Marcus has been a key cog of a Grizzlies win.
The only problem is, those moments have been too few and far between. Marcus Smart has only played in 38 games for Memphis - and with availability being one of the greatest abilities, a fair question needs to be asked.
Have we seen the last of Marcus Smart in Beale Street Blue?
Smart’s contract - $20.2 million this season - is the biggest, most realistic trade piece that the Grizzlies can include in any potential trade. While Memphis could certainly deal in smaller contracts if they wanted to (and this has been this front office’s prerogative in-season most years) any big swing would surely involve the Smart contract.
The Jimmy Butler trade rumors to the Grizzlies that simply will not die revolve around Smart (and others) going to the Heat. Part of why Memphis is still connected to this speculation still after Butler reportedly saying he does not want to go to the Grizzlies is the ease the Grizzlies can get a deal done. No third teams would be needed.
Again - that’s not possible without Smart.
Beyond the Butler theoretical fit, there are more “realistic” options. Bruce Brown of the Toronto Raptors perhaps provides similar production to Smart with an expiring contract. Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets fitting alongside Bane/Morant/Jackson Jr. long-term is a tantalizing proposition. Kyle Kuzma or Malcolm Brogdon of the Wizards, Jerami Grant of the Trail Blazers...regardless of what kind of player Memphis (or their fans) think they may need in a trade, it is Marcus’ contract that makes most trades work.
It’s far more likely Smart gets traded this Summer - more teams, more roster spots. But could Marcus Smart’s time actively playing in Memphis be done regardless of deal timing?
It’s more likely than ever before that is indeed the case.
