According to NBA reporter Kris Pursiainen, the New York Knicks are exploring a trade for Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart.
Entering his second year with the Grizzlies, Smart played only 20 games during the 2023-24 season due to injuries. He averaged 14.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks, shooting 43.0% from the field, 31.3% from three-point range, and 76.8% from the free-throw line.
Smart is widely regarded as one of the NBA‘s top defenders, boasting career averages of 10.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks over his time with the Boston Celtics and Grizzlies. He is set to earn $20.2 million this season.
In June, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Grizzlies were not open to trading Smart.
The Knicks have already made significant moves this offseason, acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves, while also re-signing OG Anunoby.
Last season, the Grizzlies failed to make the playoffs, while the Knicks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the second round after a seven-game series.
Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ star player, expressed confidence in his decision to forgo a potential $113 million extension. Instead, he signed a four-year, $156 million deal with New York.
The New York Knicks have had internal discussions about a potential deal for Marcus Smart per sources familiar with the situation.
NYK has had rumored interest in Smart before. No deal is imminent but several sources indicated the Knicks are willing to be active on the market. pic.twitter.com/RZZzIFRKS0
— Kris Pursiainen (@krispursiainen) October 5, 2024
“I think about every decision that I make, and I’m completely comfortable with what I’ve done,” Brunson said, according to ESPN. “Obviously, I’m well off; my family and I are doing well, so that’s first and foremost. But I want to win. I want to win here.”
This season, Brunson will earn $24.9 million and averaged 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists for the Knicks last season, shooting 47.9% from the field, 40.1% from three-point range, and 84.7% from the free-throw line.