The Wizards are currently considering trading Marcus Smart to other teams, but so far, no team has shown clear interest. It’s expected that later in the free agency market, some teams in need of reinforcement may start to look at this former Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY). Recently, due to injuries and a decline in performance, Smart’s market value has plummeted, and he might even become a fringe target in free agency.
Looking back at the 2021-22 season, Smart’s performance with the Celtics was truly impressive, averaging 12.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, successfully leading the team to the Finals. He not only won the DPOY award but also became the first guard to receive this honor since 1996. However, just a year later, he was traded by the Celtics to the Grizzlies.
In this far-reaching three-way deal, the Celtics acquired Kristaps Porzingis and draft picks, while Smart became a member of the Grizzlies. Unfortunately, Smart’s performance in the 2023-24 season has been underwhelming, playing only 20 games and averaging a mediocre 14.3 points per game.
In the new season, Smart missed several games due to injury, only playing in 19 matches, ultimately posting averages of 8.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Although the Grizzlies had hoped for him to team up with Jaren Jackson Jr. as key defenders, various factors limited the team to just 27 wins throughout the season.
Subsequently, Smart was traded to the Wizards, but his impact has diminished significantly. Currently, he only participates in 15 games with an average score of just 9.3 points, spending most of his time as a bench player. This reflects his status as a fringe player within the team’s tactical framework.
Although Smart excels in defense and can provoke fouls from opponents, his performance still falls short due to a lack of consistent shooting and playmaking skills. Since leaving the Celtics, his competitive spirit and professionalism seem to have diminished, and changes in his physical condition have added to the challenges he faces.
Currently, Smart, a former DPOY winner, has seen a dramatic shift in the value of his contract. What was once a $76.5 million deal has now become a burden, forcing the Grizzlies to give up even more assets to trade him. If the Wizards’ popularity falls to this level, how they handle Smart’s contract will be crucial for their next steps.
