The Miami Heat were among the teams that considered trading for Marcus Smart this summer, but their interest cooled once draft capital became part of the asking price.
According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, the Heat were hesitant to send out future picks in a proposed deal involving Terry Rozier for Smart. A league source told Chiang that Miami’s reluctance to include draft compensation ultimately halted trade progress.
Smart was still under contract with the Memphis Grizzlies when Miami explored the possibility. On February 6, he was moved to the Washington Wizards in a three-team trade that also involved the Sacramento Kings. The Grizzlies sent Smart, Colby Jones, and Alex Len to Washington, while Johnny Davis, Marvin Bagley III, and a 2025 second-round pick were rerouted to Memphis. Jake LaRavia went to Sacramento as part of the exchange.
The veteran guard was later waived by the Wizards on July 20 after a contract buyout agreement. Just two days later, he signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Had Miami agreed to part with draft assets, they might have added the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year to a backcourt already featuring Rozier, Tyler Herro, and Josh Richardson. But the franchise opted for long-term flexibility over a short-term upgrade.
Smart, 31, split the 2024–25 season between the Grizzlies and Wizards, averaging 9.0 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 34 total games. While his scoring dipped compared to earlier years, his defensive instincts and playoff experience continue to hold value.
Smart, a nine-year NBA veteran, owns career averages of 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game over 635 appearances. He played a key role in Boston’s Finals run in 2022 and has 108 career playoff games on his résumé.
