This has been a difficult 2023-24 NBA season for the Memphis Grizzlies. It just got more difficult. Ja Morant is set to miss the remainder of the season after suffering an injury.
In some respects, it already felt like a lost season for the Grizzlies. Morant missed the start of the year due to a suspension. Steven Adams has been out all year. Memphis got off to a difficult start, and with Morant out, life isn’t going to get any easier.
With that in mind, the Grizzlies could be sellers at the deadline. With the season lost, they could decide that they need assets more than they need quality players.
Could that motivate them to move Marcus Smart of the Los Angeles Lakers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Memphis Grizzlies’ Marcus Smart
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: F Rui Hachimura, F/C Jaxson Hayes, 2024 Second-Round Pick (LAC via LAL), 2027 Second-Round Pick (LAL), 2030 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Marcus Smart
It hasn’t been an easy season for the Lakers, either. Unlike the Grizzlies, they can’t lean on any excuses. For the most part, the Lakers have been fairly fortunate in 2023-24.
LeBron James looks ten years younger than he is. Anthony Davis has been fantastic as well. The Lakers’ two best players are delivering on expectations. What’s going on here?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angles Lakers Updates
The rest of the roster is lacking. The Lakers failed to put a reasonable supporting cast around their star duo this summer. Instead, they assembled a strange collection of castaway young players and mediocre veterans.
Would acquiring Smart help?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
We think so. Smart is shooting poorly from long range in 2023-24. That’s the biggest concern about this deal from the Lakers’ point of view. With that said, Smart has spent the bulk of the season without a primary playmaker.
Barring injury, that won’t be a problem in Los Angeles. Smart’s efficiency should spike alongside James. Meanwhile, he remains one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. Smart should give this team a stronger rotation.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angles Lakers Updates
After all, Hachimura is expendable, with Cam Reddish emerging as a rotation player. Hayes barely gets on the floor. The Lakers shouldn’t hesitate to give up some second-round picks for a player like Smart.
Should Memphis accept this offer for their defensive guard?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
The Grizzlies may not want to keep either of these players. That’s fine. The Grizzlies are waving the white flag on 2023-24. This deal is about setting up another deal this summer.
With that in mind, either Hachimura or Hayes should be an easier piece to include in a package. They’re both younger than Smart, and they’re both on affordable deals.
The Grizzlies could package some first-round picks with either of these guys and acquire a star if they wanted this summer. Although, they could use Hayes.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angles Lakers Updates
The Grizzlies haven’t replaced Adams. If he performs well in their uniform, they could see him as their big man of the future. That’s all the Grizzlies can think about for the time being – after all, the present is bleak.
