This offseason, some NBA teams got a facelift. The Memphis Grizzlies were one of them. This team let Dillon Brooks walk in free agency. They traded for Marcus Smart to replace him. Why?
This team seemed to have some cultural concerns in 2022-23. Brooks’ antics were only a small part of the problem. Ja Morant’s social media activity was deeply concerning.
As a result, the Grizzlies will begin the 2023-24 season without Morant. He’ll be serving a lengthy suspension. Can the Grizzlies survive without him? That remains to be seen.
If Memphis gets off to a slow start without Morant, this could be a gap year. In that event, they may want to flip some quality players in exchange for assets.
Could they send Smart to the Los Angeles Lakers?
NBA Trade Proposal — Los Angeles Lakers Land Marcus Smart
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: G Gabe Vincent, G Jalen Hood-Schifino, G/F Cam Reddish, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Marcus Smart
Other teams didn’t need a facelift. They simply needed some alterations. The Lakers were one of those teams. Did they do enough to improve?
Time will tell. The Lakers’ offseason was interesting. This team specifically targeted young players. The Lakers acquired Cam Reddish and Jaxson Hayes. These are not the types of players that we expect a contender to target.
Typically, a team in the Lakers’ position would go after veterans. We can justify the Lakers’ decisions in a couple of ways.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
It may be that they’re responding to LeBron James’ age – the Lakers could be preparing for the future. Alternatively, they could be gearing up for a deadline deal.
Would Smart be the right acquisition?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do This Deal
There’s a reason that the Grizzlies acquired Smart. He provides intangibles that few other players in the league can. Smart is among the league’s hardest-working players. Few guards can defend the point of attack like he can.
That’s precisely why the Lakers ought to be interested in him. This isn’t rocket science. Smart is an impactful player that any contending team would benefit from having on the roster. He’ll be a tremendous upgrade over Vincent and make the Lakers a better team.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
He’s worth this cost, too. Parting with Hood-Schifino so shortly after drafting him may sting, but the win-now Lakers shouldn’t hesitate to do it.
Should the Grizzlies be interested in bringing Hood-Schifino on board?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do This Deal
For Memphis, this depends on how their season is going. If they manage to tread water without Morant, this deal may not be for them. Adding the dynamic young point guard back into their mix could push the Grizzlies toward contention.
In that event, the Grizzlies may be buyers as the deadline approaches. Let’s say that doesn’t happen. Instead, let’s assume the Grizzlies are struggling before Morant’s return.
It may be time to waive the white flag if they’re far down enough in the standings. Memphis could be smart to phone the rest of the season and start preparing for 2024-25. In that event, this is a good deal.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Grizzlies could use the assets that they’re landing here in another trade down the road. In other words, they may need another facelift next summer.
