Grizzlies asked to consider Marcus Smart trade for title-winning center

Marcus Smart’s first season with the Memphis Grizzlies failed to live up to preseason expectations. Initially seen as a very logical win-now move for the franchise, due to an abundance of internal issues such as injuries and underdeveloped team chemistry, the impact many thought the veteran would have in Grind City was unfortunately not felt in 2023-24.

Of course, given that he’s still under contract for the next two seasons, the hope is that with health and, therefore, a fully intact team on their side, Smart and the Grizzlies as a whole can find a way to make things work. 2024-25 and avoid any branding of last summer’s blockbuster being a major regret for the organization.

However, some believe the experiment may have already run its course and that general manager Zach Kleiman and company should look to reverse the defensive pillar’s value in the trade market in exchange for more desirable products in other areas of need.

During a recent episode of Locked on Grizzlies, host Joe Mullinax went so far as to offer a hypothetical scenario involving Smart heading to the outside, suggesting that Memphis might consider throwing him in the direction of the Milwaukee Bucks in an attempt to force departure. the pivot, Brook Lopez, leaves immediately.

Citing Milwaukee’s need to “shake things up” after a disappointing first-round exit in this year’s playoffs as well as its ability to simply slide superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo from the four to the five, Mullinax believes a proven leader and a natural off-ball guard like a smart partnership with the Greek Freak and star general Damian Lillard could make such an idea rather plausible.

“Giannis playing five might make sense for them. If you trade Marcus Smart for Brook Lopez, give or take a pick here or there depending on where you think it should come from, does that help both teams? Has (Damian) Lillard, Marcus Smart in the starting backcourt, and then Brook Lopez plays the five alongside Jaren Jackson Jr….I think it’s intriguing with two teams that obviously have a common lineage, isn’t it? -it’s not, with Taylor Jenkins’ relationship with Milwaukee in the past…How this plays out will be interesting to watch.”

– Joe Mullinax

Since joining the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018, Lopez has established himself as one of the game’s best interior defenders, landing two All-Defensive nods while manning the middle during the club’s NBA championship run in 2021.

In addition to his exceptional efforts on the less glamorous side of the ball, the 35-year-old sports a solid offensive game and a very reliable long-range shot, as he shot 35.4% from deep on 5.0 attempts per game since. signing with the Bucks six years ago.

Last season, Lopez once again found himself producing admirably, as he finished the campaign with averages of 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks on 48.5 percent shooting. from the floor and 36.6 percent shooting from deep.

Initially, the main reason the Grizzlies chose to make a trade for players like Smart was to try to fill the defensive void created after the departure of Dillon Brooks last July.

While it goes without saying that the former Defensive Player of the Year should still produce at his overall high level on that side of the ball, Mullinax’s proposal to trade him for Lopez would still give Memphis a level of intensity similar defensive. while tackling a position that seriously needs strengthening along the way.

Adding the 7-foot-1 player to a frontcourt rotation already featuring last year’s DPOY winner Jaren Jackson Jr. would likely form one of, if not the most threatening duos of players defenses the league has to offer, while his ability to space the floor would allow Coach Jenkins to run the ever-coveted five-out offensive system.

Right now, all signs seem to point to the Grizzlies opting to move back with Smart in tow, as they have yet to see what a fully healthy roster consisting of him for more than a handful could look like of matches.

However, if the front office is looking to shop him before next season, there is a lot to like about them looking to complete a trade similar to the one Mullinax proposed with Lopez.