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Marcus Smart Rumors
Landry Shamet returning to New York still possible
Who might the Knicks sign with that veteran’s minimum deal? They have continued to touch base with Ben Simmons during the free agency period. I’m sure they have touched base with other vets as well. Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook are among the lead guards still on the market. Teams are wondering if Washington will agree to a buyout with veteran guard Marcus Smart. For what it’s worth, the Knicks don’t seem to be exclusively focused on ball-handling guards with that last spot. New York still sees Landry Shamet as a possibility and Shamet remains open to returning to New York.
Sources say Washington has continued to gauge the trade market on Marcus Smart and the recently acquired Kelly Olynyk, who became a Wizard as part of the recent deal with New Orleans headlined by Jordan Poole and CJ McCollum.
Among the veterans currently being monitored leaguewide for potential inclusion in trades this offseason: Miami's Andrew Wiggins, Toronto's RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, Utah's Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson in addition to Collins, Washington's Marcus Smart and Milwaukee's Pat Connaughton.
Jrue Holiday, Marcus Smart on Kings' radar?
Sacramento has continued to evaluate its point guard options, according to league sources. New general manager Scott Perry, remember, immediately highlighted the Kings' need for improved playmaking during his introductory press conference and sources have duly linked Sacramento to various guards known to be available this summer. That list includes Jrue Holiday in Boston and Marcus Smart in Washington ... and stretches to more affordable free agent ballhandlers like Malcolm Brogdon.
One guy, as I look through teams, that I feel could be an ideal target for the Grizzlies is Herb Jones. I’d love it if they could get a guy like Herb Jones. I’m curious—now that the Pelicans have changed their front office—who knows how they feel about anyone on their roster? Herb’s mostly been a negative offensively in his career, but he's an elite on-ball defender. I think he fits the archetype Memphis has been going for—when they had Dillon Brooks, tried to replace him with Marcus Smart, and then wanted Dorian Finney-Smith. I feel like that might be the higher end of the realistic outcomes—if the Pelicans are open to doing something like that. I just think it's worth saying. The Pelicans—who knows what’s going to happen there now that they’ve completely changed their front office. But that would be a really good and sneaky addition. He’s not a huge, expensive, big-name guy, but in NBA circles, I think he’s a pretty big name. He’s someone that would be a really good fit. I think he’d really complete that starting five—that closing five.
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NBA exec on Grizzlies: The Marcus Smart trade killed them
The Grizzlies have tried to take big swings in the trade market at various times in the last three years, including engaging the Phoenix Suns on Kevin Durant this year. However, the biggest one that actually got completed was dealing Tyus Jones and two first-rounders for Marcus Smart when he was just past his sell-by date in the summer of 2023. It’s somewhat ironic given that the Grizzlies have nailed so many small moves in the same period. “The Marcus Smart trade killed them,” as one rival exec put it, costing them draft assets and a $20-million salary slot for a whole lot of not much. On a roster that couldn’t afford a miss once Jackson, Bane and Morant graduated to expensive veteran deals, Smart was nearly dead money. He was neither healthy nor happy in Memphis, and his level of play dropped off even when he was active; the Grizzlies ended up giving Washington another first just to move off the last year of his deal.
Josh Robbins: More welcome news for the Washington Wizards. In addition to their own lottery pick, a random drawing today determined that the Wizards will pick 18th in the upcoming draft instead of 19th or 20th. That's the first-round pick that Washington received from Memphis in the Marcus Smart trade.
Chase Hughes: Marcus Smart says he’s had several conversations with Alex Sarr to help him become a more physical player. “We’re working on that… he can be a great defender.”
Austin Krell: All of Malcolm Brogdon, Bilal Coulibaly, Anthony Gill, Corey Kispert, Khris Middleton, and Jordan Poole will be OUT for the Wizards tonight. Marcus Smart will be available. Richuan Holmes is doubtful.
Noa Dalzell: Asked Marcus Smart how much he’s been able to stay in touch with his former Celtic teammates: “Actually often. More than you would probably think.” “Grew up with those guys, went through a lot of battles — blood, sweat & tears. Everybody knows, a few of those guys came to my mom's funeral. It’s a deeper bond than just basketball.”
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Bobby Manning: Asked Smart about getting traded this year and what he’s expecting next: “Control what I can control,” he stressed. “These last couple of years you’ve seen things that you probably didn’t expect to see…it kind of brings things to the surface for you. Control what you can control.”
Bobby Manning: Smart: “I think I’m right where I’m supposed to be…I’m thankful I’m able to play the game I love to play and take care of my family while doing it…the fans have always shown love. I know my wife was over there trying not to cry.”
Bobby Manning: Marcus Smart said it’s emotional coming back to Boston but “I love it.” Though he usually hides out during his returns because it’s too much and he doesn’t want to disappoint anyone.
Jared Weiss: Looked like a fan behind the Wizards bench was removed from the stands after some sort of interaction with Marcus Smart. The entire Wizards bench was on their feet as Smart was visibly upset while responding to the fan as he was being escorted away.
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