When an NBA team trades James Harden, they’re not supposed to get better. When a team trades for Harden, they’re supposed to improve. Recently, those rules have been broken.
The trade between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers has defied everyone’s expectations.The Clippers have struggled since acquiring the Beard.
In fact, they’ve lost the only five games that they’ve played with him in the lineup. In all likelihood, the Clippers will turn this thing around at some point. Until they do, their fans will be anxious.
By contrast, the Sixers have thrived since moving Harden. Tyrese Maxey has looked like an All-NBA player as their lead guard. The Sixers were expected to trade for a star with the assets that they received for Harden. At this point, an elite role player might serve them better.
How about Marcus Smart of the Memphis Grizzlies?
NBA Trade Proposal: Philadelphia 76ers Land Memphis Grizzlies’ Marcus Smart
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC via PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Marcus Smart
When an NBA team loses Ja Morant to a suspension, they’re not supposed to get better. In this case, nothing has been subverted. The Memphis Grizzlies have been struggling mightily in Morant’s absence
This is a situation to monitor. The Grizzlies may have to get used to life without Morant. Unfortunately, his off-court activities appear to be problematic. This is a concern for Memphis – they can’t live without Morant, so they’d better hope that they can live with him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Who knows? Perhaps Morant will turn it around. He may benefit from this absence from basketball. In the meantime, the Grizzlies have some decisions to make. Should they move Smart?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
The Grizzlies primarily acquired Smart to compensate for the loss of Dillon Brooks. Still, they must have been hoping that he could cover for Morant in his absence to some extent. That hasn’t happened.
That doesn’t mean that Memphis needs to move Smart. He’d be a good compliment to Morant when the star point guard returns. On the other hand, the Grizzlies may have to punt this season at some point.
If they’re far enough behind in the standings when Morant gets back on the floor, the season may be a lost cause. If so, moving Smart for a first-round pick feels like a sensible decision.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The Grizzlies can regroup this summer. In all likelihood, they’ll use this pick in a trade for a better player than Smart. Is Smart the right player for the Sixers to use the pick on?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Every bone in Daryl Morey’s body is aching as we write this. This is not his nature. He’s developed a reputation for chasing star players whether they fit with his current roster or not.
Perhaps somebody should save him from himself. Everything is clicking in Philly. This team has two All-NBA quality players. Do they need to add a third?
The competition, for the most part, is not composed of superteams. The best teams in the modern NBA are mostly thoughtfully constructed around a pair of stars.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
So, why not add Smart? He provides some secondary playmaking. More importantly, he’s among the best defensive guards in the NBA. He’ll undeniably make the Sixers a better team – at least, we’re assuming he will.
