Grizzlies must avoid temptation to trade Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart is a winner. He plays winning basketball on both sides of the floor. Last season was the first time in his career that he's missed out on the playoffs. 

The Memphis Grizzlies guard has reportedly drawn interest from the Houston Rockets. His former head coach, Ime Udoka, is still a fan of the combative point guard.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports has reported that Memphis wishes to keep hold of Smart.

"The Grizzlies, sources said, have no interest in parting with Marcus Smart," Fischer reported.

Smart has two years remaining on his current $76.4 million deal. He has experience of playing alongside elite-level talent, having spent the majority of his career with the Boston Celtics. His versatile defense makes him a logical fit next to an offensive-minded guard like Ja Morant. 

Furthermore, head coach Taylor Jenkins can implement new wrinkles to his defensive system due to Smart's presence in the rotation. He is the first guard since Gary Payton to win a Defensive Player of the Year Award. He's one of the few backcourt players who can switch 1-through-5 on the floor. He's also vastly improved his perimeter shooting, thus making him a reliable option as a catch-and-shoot threat. 

Memphis dealt with a host of injury issues last season and will be looking to bounce back next season. When healthy, the Grizzlies are a genuine championship contender and one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Smart gives them an additional edge, both in terms of defense and leadership. 

Furthermore, Smart will likely be driven by his former team winning a championship in the first year without him on the roster. He should want to prove he wasn't part of the problem. Memphis must capitalize on a driven and motivated version of Smart. He can help elevate the entire rotation while offering sage advice to Morant and his younger teammates. 

The Grizzlies knew what they were getting in Smart when they traded for him. They've rarely seen how a fully healthy roster looks when he's part of the rotation. It would be foolish to trade him this summer. They have him under contractual control. 

They are ready to contend. Ignoring the interest in him is the wisest move the Grizzlies front office can make.