ESPN Report: Happening now live on Grizzlies TV, Grizzlies excellent starter confirms his departure….

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer from Yahoo Sports, the Memphis Grizzlies have no intention of trading Marcus Smart. The Grizzlies acquired Smart from the Boston Celtics last summer.

Fischer reported, “The Grizzlies, sources said, have no interest in parting with Marcus Smart. Memphis has received strong interest from rival teams about Luke Kennard, sources said, in advance of the Grizzlies’ decision on his $14.7 million team option for 2024-25.”

Smart played in only 20 games for the Grizzlies this season due to injuries, averaging 14.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks, with shooting percentages of 43.0% from the field, 31.3% from three-point range, and 76.8% from the free-throw line.

The Grizzlies finished the season with a 27-55 record. Ja Morant played just nine games, while Derrick Rose appeared in only 24.

A top defender in the NBA, Smart has career averages of 10.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks with the Celtics and Grizzlies. He is set to earn $20.2 million next season.