In a twist that could shake up the NBA landscape, Houston Rockets’ key decision-makers, GM Rafael Stone and head coach Ime Udoka, have set their sights on Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart. According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Ime Udoka and Rafael Stone are keen admirers of Smart, hinting at a potential blockbuster trade.
Rockets’ Ime Udoka and Rafael Stone Covet Marcus Smart
The idea floating around is intriguing: the Grizzlies might consider bundling Smart with their No. 9 overall pick to leapfrog the Rockets’ No. 3 pick in the upcoming NBA draft. This potential swap could redefine both teams’ futures.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype recently reported that Houston is open to trading down, but only if they snag a player capable of catapulting the team into playoff contention. Marcus Smart, with his veteran presence and defensive prowess, fits that bill perfectly.
At 30, Smart has established himself as a locker room cornerstone during his nine-year stint with the Boston Celtics. His leadership would be a boon for the Rockets, who are desperate to build on their best season since 2019-20, finishing with a 41-41 record. Smart’s accolades, including the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year and three All-Defensive team selections, underscore his value on the court. His potential pairing with Fred VanVleet in Houston’s backcourt could be electrifying, especially given his past chemistry with Udoka, who coached him in Boston during the 2021-22 season.
However, Smart’s initial season in Memphis was less than stellar. After posting averages of 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.1 steals over 20 games, a finger injury in January sidelined him for the rest of the year. Despite this setback, his pedigree and potential upside make him a tantalizing trade target.
The Grizzlies’ stance on trading Smart remains ambiguous. With two years left on his contract, there’s no immediate risk of losing him to free agency. But financially, Memphis might prefer reallocating the $41.8 million owed to Smart. With Desmond Bane’s max extension kicking in for the 2024-25 season, the Grizzlies’ cap space will be tight. They have nearly $96 million tied up in Bane, Ja Morant, and Jaren Jackson Jr. alone, leaving little room under the projected $141 million cap.
From a strategic perspective, offloading Smart for a cost-controlled rookie would grant Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman greater financial flexibility. This move could be crucial in structuring a roster that revolves around their young trio of Bane, Morant, and Jackson.
The potential trade, if it comes to fruition, could be a game-changer. For the Rockets, acquiring a seasoned defender like Smart might be the catalyst they need to return to playoff glory. For the Grizzlies, it could be a strategic play for long-term stability and cap management.
In the high-stakes game of NBA trades, the Marcus Smart saga is one to watch closely. It’s a gamble that could pay off big for both teams, shaking up the balance of power in the league. As the draft approaches, fans and analysts alike will be on the edge of their seats, waiting to see how this drama unfolds.
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