Marcus Smart admitted he “figured I’d get traded” ahead of last week’s deadline. The Grizzlies were looking to move him for some salary relief as Smart’s tenure in Memphis came up short. But still, considering his trade to the Wizards came right before the deadline, he said he a little surprised.
But that’s how the NBA goes. The former Boston guard was a surprise trade candidate when the Celtics moved him back in summer 2023, too. Now, Smart is one of the veterans on a rebuilding Wizards team looking to find some footing in the league. Smart made an honest admission about the situation — going from the contending Grizzlies to the Wizards — though it sounds like he’s embracing whatever his future holds in Washington.
“You could kind of say it’s confusing just because you’re trying to figure out where you stand in that,” Smart told reporters. “Figure out what you can do to help without stepping on any toes. But also being yourself. At the same time, it’s a fresh start. You get to come in to a rebuild where they’re looking for that help and looking for that advice and experience. I’m the one who can come in and help with that.”
Smart was traded in a three-team deal between the Grizzlies, Wizards and Kings. The Wizards received Smart, Colby Jones, Alex Len and a 2025 first-round pick from the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies got Marvin Bagley III, Johnny Davis, a 2025 second-round pick (Wizards) and a 2028 second-round pick (Kings). Finally, the Kings got Jake LaRavia.
It was clear what the Wizards' plan was at the deadline as they’re currently 9-44 and in last place in the East. They made other deals, like trading Kyle Kuzma to the Bucks for Khris Middleton, among other assets. They kept an eye on the future amid a lost year, getting some vets on the roster.
Smart is now one of the elder statesman in that Wizards locker room. Washington’s looking to find its way as it will hope Smart can impart some wisdom on the young guys. It’s a far cry from contending for the playoffs like Smart has done throughout his career, but he sounds ready for this next step.
“Just my experience,” Smart said. “I’m in my 11th season. I played for really good teams up until now and was able to do some things with them. Just really bringing that experience over here. Young group of guys. Really looking to figure out their own in this league and just helping them with that.”
Smart said his finger, which has kept him out in recent weeks, is “healing up perfectly fine.” He has yet to make his Wizards debut, and considering the All-Star break starts this week, the team will likely keep him out until after the week off. Smart has dealt with injuries through the last few years, including playing in just 39 combined games for Memphis over the past 1.5 seasons.
While the Grizzlies hoped Smart would give them some grit and veteran leadership, the partnership didn’t work out in Memphis. The Grizzlies had to offload a first-round pick to get off of Smart’s salary. Now, the ex-Celtics guard will look to be a part of a new team’s culture, one that’s looking to build one in Washington.
“Just to be me,” Smart said. “That’s really it. Be me. Be what got you here. All the things that you did. The work ethic. On the court, off the court. Being the vet to these young guys and how this game works and how this league works.”
