One NBA writer is proposing that the Milwaukee Bucks acquire Marcus Smart from the Memphis Grizzlies.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed the following blockbuster trade idea between the Bucks and Grizzlies:
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: G Marcus Smart
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F/C Bobby Portis, G/F Pat Connaughton, MarJon Beauchamp, 2024 second-round pick (via Portland Trail Blazers)
The Grizzlies acquired Smart from the Boston Celtics this past offseason. However, since Memphis has the second-worst record in the Western Conference, Swartz believes Smart is better suited to play for a contender like the Bucks.
Milwaukee could start Damian Lillard, Smart, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez if the Bucks’ front office figured out a path to acquire Smart from the Grizzlies.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
“The only complaint from the Lillard trade was the overall drop in defense Milwaukee made (21st overall this season, down from 4th in 2022-23),” Swartz wrote. “Adding a proven point-of-attack defender like Smart—who can switch onto bigger forwards as well—would help bring the Bucks back toward the top of the standings. A starting five of Lillard, Smart, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez would be extremely potent on both ends and still have a bench featuring Jae Crowder, Malik Beasley, Cameron Payne and Andre Jackson Jr.”
Smart is averaging 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.0 steals this season while shooting 42.9% from the field, 29.5% from beyond the arc and 81.0% from the free-throw line. The 29-year-old won the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year Award with the Celtics.
The Bucks are title contenders with Lillard, Middleton, Antetokounmpo and Lopez leading the way. Adding Smart could turn Milwaukee into overwhelming championship favorites.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
A Texas native, Smart has career averages of 10.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.6 steals with the Celtics and Grizzlies.
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