While the NBA playoffs are in full swing, the offseason has already started for some teams. Around this limbo period, trade rumors will swirl for teams looking to make it into the postseason. The Washington Wizards are not new to this, as they are quite acclimated to their offseason beginning in April. This year, a new name is on the chopping block: trade deadline addition Marcus Smart. Should the Wizards try to ship Smart out, or would keeping him around prove beneficial in the long run?
The Wizards Have A Marcus Smart Problem
Smart has a simple yet crucial role in Washington right now: provide veteran leadership to one of the youngest rosters in the league. While the 31-year-old may not have championship DNA like veteran counterpart Khris Middleton, he was a critical piece in the early stages of the rising dynasty in Boston. However, he still has plenty left in the tank, and his value could play a role in a trade at some point this offseason.
Keep Smart
Smart is one of seven guards in NBA history to have won Defensive Player of the Year (2021-22). He has always played with a chip on his shoulder and has excellent defensive intangibles. For a team with nothing but young and potential-heavy talent, Smart can help build defensive habits early on in their careers. The Wizards finished 28th in defensive rating (118) and last in net rating (-12.2) this season. Adding Smart in February helped boost them to 28, as before then, they were at 30.
Smart is a perfect fit defensively for the Wizards. However, offense isn’t something he’s ever been the best at. Not once in his 11-year career has he averaged over 15 points, even with six seasons averaging over 30 minutes of action. He’s also never had a season shooting over 45% from the field or 40% from three. However, in the 15 games Smart played with the Wizards, he shot 44% from the field and 39.2% from three, which are career bests.
There are pros and cons to keeping everyone on the roster. With the Wizards’ rebuild still firmly in process, the team can afford to keep him around if they don’t think the offers they receive will benefit them in the long run. His leadership could prove more valuable for the young guys than shipping him out.
Trade Smart
Smart still has lots to give a contending team, which may feel they are a rotational piece away from winning a championship. While situations may vary, teams with weak defensive guards would benefit the most from adding him. Smart would create nice depth in either guard slot, giving a team a great defensive leader off the bench. His price tag and expiring contract could also play a huge role in a team looking for a one-and-done situation.
Smart signed a four-year contract with the Celtics, and 2025-26 will be the last season on that deal. A few teams could be looking to grab him as a rotational asset for a push in the playoffs. Then they can decide on keeping him or leaving him on the market. His $21 million price tag could be affordable for a team looking to dump the money for a season, then look for other options in free agency.
The Last Word On the Wizards’ Marcus Smart Problem
While trade rumors are only rumors, talks are always buzzing in the offseason. For Smart, his defensive ability, mixed with his improving offensive game, may increase his value. The Wizards want to continue to build, and while Smart is a solid piece for the team, trading him could bring in more prospects that will mesh with the team. While the front office shouldn’t jump the gun on any offer, they should at least mix his name into any discussions moving forward.
Featured image © Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
The post The Wizards Have A Marcus Smart Problem appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.