NBA Trade Idea Sends $90 Million Ex-Lakers Star to Memphis Grizzlies

This NBA trade idea sends Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma to the Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) huddles with forward Dillon Brooks (24), forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) and guard Desmond Bane (22) during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The Memphis Grizzlies have a very interesting situation when it comes to Marcus Smart. He's making $76 million but seems to be coming off the bench now for the team. With the price that Smart is getting paid, it's tough to justify the contract unless he's playing a significant role.

Combined with the fact that Smart hasn't been very available due to injury, it becomes even harder to justify. Through the last two seasons combined, Smart has only played 29 games; he played 20 games in 2024 and 9 games in 2025. With that in mind, some hypothetical trade ideas for Smart have already been created.

A trade idea from Dan Favale of Bleacher Report has Smart and other Grizzlies players being sent to the Wizards for Kyle Kuzma and Patrick Baldwin Jr.

Washington Wizards Receive: John Konchar, Marcus Smart, Vince Williams Jr., 2025 first-round pick (top-eight protection through 2027; turns into two seconds if not conveyed)

Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr.

In terms of contracts, Kuzma is making $90 million over the course of four years. He's a far healthier wing player than Smart currently is. The biggest difference is that Kuzma doesn't bring anywhere near the leadership intangibles that Smart brings on the court. However, on paper, the Grizzlie should improve with the trade.

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