According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers are interested in trading for Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart.
However, the Grizzlies have told teams they are not trading Smart despite being in 13th place in the Western Conference.
“While several clubs — including the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, sources said — have phoned Memphis about obtaining defensive stalwart Marcus Smart, the Grizzlies have shut down any overtures for the veteran guard, sources said,” Fischer wrote.
Smart sustained a severe right ring finger injury on January 9 against the Dallas Mavericks. It’s unknown when he’ll play again for the Grizzlies, who are only 18-30 on the season.
Memphis acquired Smart from the Boston Celtics last offseason in a three-team trade with the Washington Wizards. Smart has appeared in 20 games this season. He’s averaging 14.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.1 steals and 0.3 blocks while shooting 43.0% from the field, 31.3% from beyond the arc and 76.8% from the free-throw line.
Smart is making $18.6 million this season. He signed a four-year, $76.5 million extension with the Celtics in August 2021.
The 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year, Smart has career averages of 10.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks with the Celtics and Grizzlies. He has made three All-Defensive teams.
The Grizzlies will miss the playoffs this season. Superstar point guard Ja Morant underwent season-ending surgery on his shoulder in January after playing in just nine games. Along with Smart and Morant, Memphis is without Desmond Bane, Derrick Rose and Brandon Clarke.
The Bucks and Lakers entered the season with championship aspirations. Milwaukee is in second place in the East, but Los Angeles is only in ninth place in the West. Most NBA insiders expect the Lakers to make a few moves at the trade deadline, which is on February 8.
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