Memphis Grizzlies Trade Marcus Smart and First-Round Pick to Washington Wizards

The Memphis Grizzlies have officially traded guard Marcus Smart along with a 2025 first-round draft pick to the Washington Wizards. This multi-team deal, which also includes the Sacramento Kings, was executed right before the trade deadline, highlighting the Grizzlies' intentions to create more roster flexibility. Sources report that Memphis will receive two second-round draft picks in return for Smart, who has struggled with injuries during his time in Memphis.

In this trade:

• Marcus Smart and a 2025 first-round pick were sent to the Washington Wizards.
• The Grizzlies will obtain a 2028 second-round pick and another second-round pick from the Kings.
• As part of the deal, the Kings received wing Jake LaRavia from Memphis.
• Colby Jones and Alex Len are headed to Washington from Sacramento.

Since joining the Grizzlies, Smart has appeared in only 19 games this season, averaging 8.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in 21.1 minutes. His contract includes $20.2 million this season and $21.6 million for the 2025-26 season, which has led Memphis to explore trades to enhance their roster's flexibility.

The deal allows the Grizzlies not only to shed a significant salary but also opens up possibilities for future negotiations, potentially impacting their ability to manage other contracts on their roster.