The Memphis Grizzlies have bounced back from their disastrous 2023-24 season in tremendous fashion. They are currently the second seed in the Western Conference with a 35-16 record and are 9-1 in their last 10 games. Although they have found success with their roster, they may have to trade an integral figure and have placed former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart on the trade market.
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Smart has been a key veteran presence for this surging Grizzlies team. However, his $21.5M salary has serious financial implications for the team, forcing them to put him on the market. Many teams have already expressed interest in the 30-year-old point guard. SNY reporter Ian Begley reports,
“Several teams have talked to the Grizzlies about deals involving veteran point guard Marcus Smart. Those talks will likely continue into Thursday.”
He further explains the 11-year veteran’s pay over the next season takes a significant portion of the team’s cap space and contributes to their desire to let him go, saying,
“Smart, 30, is under contract through next season ($21.5 million); the Grizzlies have a few financial decisions to make this offseason, among them re-signing Santi Aldama.”
The Memphis Grizzlies have been discussing Marcus Smart trade possibilities with a few teams, per @IanBegley
“Several teams have talked to the Grizzlies about deals involving veteran point guard Marcus Smart. Those talks will likely continue into Thursday. Smart, 30, is under… pic.twitter.com/KclblifthQ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 6, 2025
Memphis’ willingness to part ways with Smart showcases how much they prioritize Santi Aldama. The 6-foot-11 big man is having the best season of his career averaging 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. The most impressive aspect is his ability to stretch the floor connection on 37% of his three-point attempts.
There will certainly be teams in the offseason that will be eager to add Aldama’s skill set to their roster. The Grizzlies must free up as much cap space as they can, as only hours remain before the trade deadline.
Grizzlies need to find money for Aldama and others
Aldama is on one of the most team-friendly contracts in the NBA. The fourth-year pro is only earning $3.9 million this season. That number is going to jump to an eight-figure per year contract easily.
The Spaniard has tremendous chemistry alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. but is also able to emulate the same play style with the second unit. His ability to space the court and create for himself isn’t common for players of his size. Memphis loves Aldama and wants to keep him on the roster for the foreseeable future.
The Grizzlies are currently $6 million under the first apron, which is set to change when they offer Aldama a new deal.
At the same time, they also need to make a call on Luke Kennard. The 28-year-old is earning $9.25 million this season and is set to be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. On top of that, Jaren Jackson Jr. will become eligible for an extension after this season ends, which would be on top of the priority chart for the Grizzlies.
The team would like to stay under the 2nd apron of the salary cap, which seems difficult with the way their roster is currently constructed and the money they need to give. The Grizzlies need to clear up some cap space, and unfortunately, it may come in the form of them trading away Marcus Smart.
