The Memphis Grizzlies have traded Marcus Smart and a 2025 first-round pick to the Washington Wizards in a multi-team deal, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. In return, Memphis receives Marvin Bagley III, Johnny Davis, and two second-round picks.
Smart, 30, is averaging 8.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 21.1 minutes per game this season. The veteran guard is in the third year of a four-year, $76.5 million contract and was a key defensive presence for Memphis.
Bagley, the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, is averaging a career-low 4.9 points and 2.9 rebounds in 8.7 minutes per game. The 24-year-old forward is on an expiring three-year, $37.5 million deal, giving Memphis additional roster flexibility.
Davis, 22, has struggled to find his footing in the league, averaging 2.4 points and 1.1 rebounds in 7.1 minutes per game. The Wizards declined the team option on the final year of his rookie contract, making him a free agent this offseason.
By moving Smart’s $21.6 million salary for next season, the Grizzlies open up financial options ahead of the offseason. ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted that Memphis could now have the flexibility to renegotiate Jaren Jackson Jr.’s contract, as the All-Star big man enters the final year of his $23.4 million deal.
Marks also reported that the trade puts Washington $1.6 million below the luxury tax threshold.
Memphis, currently 35-16 and second in the Western Conference, remains a strong contender. The departure of Smart clears room for potential roster adjustments as the team looks to compete for a deep playoff run.
For Washington, which owns the league’s worst record at 9-41, Smart provides veteran leadership and defensive toughness. The Wizards continue to gather assets as they rebuild, adding a future first-round pick to their collection.
