How The New York Knicks Can Land Marcus Smart This Season

The New York Knicks are in the news for trading Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo for Karl-Anthony Towns this summer but could continue their roster overhaul by acquiring 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to boost their bench. 

With Jalen Brunson occupying the point guard spot, the Knicks need a valuable backup who can contribute immediately and could look to the Grizzlies guard to give them the final piece they need to contend. Here is the trade package the Knicks can use to acquire Marcus Smart.

Proposed Trade Package: Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, Tyler Kolek, 2025 Second-Round Pick (DET)

This trade would be rather surprising considering the Knicks have already made roster changes and brought new players into the team, but Marcus Smart could be the final piece to fit Tom Thibodeau’s coaching puzzle.

New York Knicks Create One Of The Best Big Six In Recent Memory

The addition of Marcus Smart would elevate the New York Knicks to having one of the most balanced and defensive-minded big sixes in the NBA. Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, brings his tenacity, leadership, and championship experience from his time with the Boston Celtics and more recently with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Knicks’ core already consists of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart. Adding Smart’s elite defense and playmaking to this mix would solidify New York’s perimeter defense while providing an excellent backup point guard option who can share the ball-handling duties with Brunson.

The Knicks have prided themselves on being a defensively strong unit under coach Tom Thibodeau, and Smart fits that mold perfectly. Smart is known for his versatility, having averaged 1.6 steals per game throughout his career and guarding multiple positions effectively. In 2023-24, the Knicks ranked 10th in defensive rating, but acquiring Smart could easily push them into the top 5, considering his defensive prowess and ability to lead second units. Offensively, Smart has averaged 5.8 assists per game over the past two seasons, which would complement Brunson’s playmaking, giving the Knicks a deadly two-guard rotation.

This move would also give the Knicks a formidable "Big Six" lineup capable of switching across multiple positions while maintaining high-level offensive and defensive pressure. With Brunson running the offense, Smart can handle the tougher defensive assignments, freeing up Bridges, Anunoby, and Towns to focus on scoring. The Knicks would be hard to score against, with Smart, Anunoby, Bridges, Hart, and Towns anchoring the paint and perimeter, making them a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Memphis Grizzlies Re-Tool Around Ja Morant

For the Memphis Grizzlies, moving on from Marcus Smart provides an opportunity to further build around their franchise player, Ja Morant. While Smart’s leadership and defense were valuable, the Grizzlies need to refocus on maximizing Morant’s talents, especially after a turbulent 2023-24 season marked by Morant’s suspension and injuries. Acquiring a player like Mitchell Robinson would give the Grizzlies an elite rim protector to pair with Jaren Jackson Jr., the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year. Robinson averages 1.9 blocks per game over his career, making him a perfect fit for Memphis’ defensive identity, which ranked 4th in defensive rating two seasons ago when Morant was available.

The inclusion of Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek in the trade would allow the Grizzlies to develop young, versatile guards who can play off Morant and contribute immediately. McBride, though still developing, has shown flashes of being a solid two-way player, while Kolek, a highly regarded prospect, brings playmaking potential. Memphis could afford to take a long-term view, as their window to contend with Morant, Jackson, and Desmond Bane remains open for several years.

The Grizzlies also gain financial flexibility by moving Smart’s $20 million salary. This could open up room to make other moves, either via free agency or additional trades, to improve the team’s depth and versatility. Memphis can focus on building a team that better suits Morant’s dynamic, fast-paced style of play, with players who fit the timeline of their young stars. Overall, this trade allows the Grizzlies to prioritize Morant’s growth while continuing to compete in the Western Conference.

A Major Trade That Benefits The New York Knicks Greatly

For the Knicks, trading Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, Tyler Kolek, and a second-round pick may seem like a significant price to pay, but the return in Marcus Smart is well worth it. Robinson has been a defensive stalwart for the Knicks, but his offensive limitations have sometimes been an issue. Moving him in this deal not only upgrades the backcourt with a proven veteran but also opens up more offensive versatility by allowing Karl-Anthony Towns to anchor the paint with his ability to stretch the floor. Smart, a 10-year NBA veteran, would bring invaluable playoff experience, toughness, and a winning mentality to a team that’s looking to make deep postseason runs.

Smart’s arrival would allow the Knicks to stagger minutes between their guards, keeping the offense and defense balanced at all times. Smart’s ability to contribute across the board—he averaged 14.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game in 2023-2024—would also help alleviate pressure on Brunson to be the primary playmaker in every situation. With Smart running the second unit, the Knicks would have a clear edge over most teams, as he brings a combination of tenacity and floor vision that most backups can’t match. This could significantly improve New York’s bench which needs to be among the top 15 to be legitimate title contenders.

The addition of Smart would also signal the Knicks’ intention to seriously contend for an Eastern Conference title. They would now have a defensive anchor in the backcourt, elite scoring options in Brunson and Bridges, and the possibility of one of the league's best frontcourts with Towns. Combining Thibodeau’s defense-first philosophy with Smart’s mentality could unlock new potential for this Knicks roster, making them a legitimate contender for their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.