Marcus Smart Makes Honest Statement After Grizzlies-Wizards Trade

Marcus Smart met with the media after getting traded to the Washington Wizards.

Oct 18, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts during the second half against the Miami Heat at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Earlier this week, Marcus Smart was traded (via the Memphis Grizzlies) to the Washington Wizards.

The former Oklahoma State star had been in his second season playing for the Grizzlies.

He is currently averaging 8.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 35.8% from the field and 32.2% from the three-point range in 19 games.

Via The Washington Wizards: "Official: The Washington Wizards have acquired Marcus Smart, Colby Jones, Alex Len, and a 2025 first-round pick in a multi-team trade in exchange for Johnny Davis, Marvin Bagley III, and a 2025 second round pick to the Memphis Grizzlies."

Official: The Washington Wizards have acquired Marcus Smart, Colby Jones, Alex Len, and a 2025 first-round pick in a multi-team trade in exchange for Johnny Davis, Marvin Bagley III, and a 2025 second round pick to the Memphis Grizzlies.

📰 Read more: https://t.co/mybWKf4mkl
🤝… pic.twitter.com/6E3K3jzyUt

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) February 7, 2025

After the deal, Smart met with the media.

He made an honest statement about getting traded.

Smart (h/t Chase Hughes of Monumental Sports Network): "I was a little surprised, but also not at the same time. I figured I'd get traded. Just didn't know where... Was a little bit surprised, it was a little last minute, but that's out of my control. I tend to not focus on things I can't control."

Marcus Smart said he was surprised to be traded, but is excited to help the Wizards put the pieces together on defense and to live in D.C. Also gives an update on his injury rehab. pic.twitter.com/6gQGOWC8Ef

— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) February 9, 2025

Smart had been with the Grizzlies, who are the second seed in the Western Conference with a 35-17 record in 52 games.

He has also made the Eastern Conference finals five times (with the Boston Celtics).

Dec 7, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (36) drives to the basket during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images / Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

That said, he is now joining a team that is the worst in the NBA.

The Wizards are currently the 15th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 9-43 record in 52 games.

They have missed the NBA playoffs in each of the previous three years.