Taylor Jenkins and the rest of the Memphis Grizzlies coaching staff have done a stellar job making the most of what has easily been one of the most injury-riddled playoff teams this season. A roster full of multi-faceted players and a selfless style of play that has become an identity for one of the best teams in the association. In recent weeks, they’ve aimed to take advantage of their excess amount of depth in hopes of acquiring a trade piece that may catapult them to Western Conference title contention. The swirling rumors of the Grizzlies potentially acquiring wings like Jimmy Butler, Cam Johnson, or Dorian Finney-Smith would eventually dwindle and evaporate. Although a Grizzlies trade for a ready-now wing never came to fruition, they’ve gained a more concise core.
Grizzlies Flip Veteran To D.C.
Marcus Smart‘s brief stint in the Home of the Blues has come to an end. The Grizzlies moved off the veteran guard right before the looming trade deadline. The Grizzlies sent Smart and a 2025 first-round pick to the Washington Wizards in exchange for center Marvin Bagley III, guard Johnny Davis and two second-round picks.
Smart’s tenure was quite underwhelming as a member of the Grizzlies. The former Oklahoma State standout notably only made 39 appearances after being traded to Memphis before the 2023-24 season. This season Smart, averaged 8.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in 19 games. The former Defensive Player of the Year had recently returned to Jenkins’ rotation. Smart had just recovered from a right index finger injury. He had a similar hand injury issue on his right shooting hand in the season prior.
Smart posted a 105.7 defensive rating this season. That was best mark amongst any Grizzlies player that made at least 19 appearances this season. The Grizzlies mortgaged off quite a bit to acquire Smart in the 2023 offseason. Despite never getting off on the right foot, it’s safe to say that this was overall bad timing for the veteran wing guard.
Sacramento Lands Young Grizzlies Multi-Tooled Forward
Jake LaRavia made a well known name for himself in the early stages of the season for Memphis. The young Grizzlies wing filled in effectively with early injuries to regular contributors Desmond Bane, Vince Williams Jr, and GG Jackson II. This season, LaRavia averaged 7.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 20.9 minutes for the Grizzlies. The Wake Forest product also shot 49% from the field and 44.4% percent from deep on a couple attempts per night. The Grizzlies traded LaRavia to the Sacramento Kings as a part of the multi-team trade.
LaRavia brings promising point of attack defense, shooting, and size to Sacramento. The Grizzlies wing will look for more well deserved playing time off the bench for Kings head coach Doug Christie. As for the Grizzlies, flipping their two wings creates more flexibility without sacrificing their core pieces. Furthermore, the flexibility may be valuable in an attempt to extend All-Star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. and re-sign restricted free agent Santi Aldama this summer.
