Grizzlies-Kings-Wizards Trade Grades: Marcus Smart Moved To Washington In Three-Team Deal

The Memphis Grizzlies threw their cap into the trade deadline ring just before the buzzer, sending out Marcus Smart to the Washington Wizards and Jake LaRavia to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal.

Memphis traded away a first-round pick with Smart in exchange for a few second-round picks from Washington. Sacramento shipped Alex Len and Colby Jones to Washington and a 2028 2nd-round pick to the Grizzlies. Marvin Bagley and Johnny Davis will also join the Grizzlies as part of the trade.

The Kings are sending a 2028 second-rounder to Memphis, plus Colby Jones and Alex Len to Washington, to acquire the Grizzlies’ Jake LaRavia as part of the Marcus Smart trade, league sources tell @TheSteinLine. https://t.co/CEBA2PhGLD

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 6, 2025

The Wizards are sending Marvin Bagley III to the Grizzlies as part of the deal, sources tell ESPN. Johnny Davis also sent to Memphis. https://t.co/QeEN5HCUGH

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025

After the Grizzlies declined to extend LaRavia earlier this season, he’s managed a solid third year, averaging 7.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists on strong efficiency. He’ll join a retooled Kings team hoping to continue making up ground in the Western Conference.

jake laravia is up to 60.4% TS and 39.6% from 3 (low volume), the scoring has caught up to the rest of his game. has been one of the better role guys in the league so far, IMO.

memphis deploys him in so many ways. screener, driver, pnr handler, you name it pic.twitter.com/CZIJPtIR9w

— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) December 4, 2024

LaRavia should help Sacramento quite a bit on both ends of the floor. He’s an excellent 3-point shooter (44.4 percent from deep) who scores efficiently and adds some complementary playmaking and off-ball defensive chops. Two-way versatility will help him find a slot in the Kings’ new rotation and Sacramento could likely extend him for a reasonable price if it chooses that route.

Grading The Deal

Sacramento Kings: B+

As previously discussed, LaRavia is a useful NBA player who couldn’t find a home on a deep Memphis team but should contribute in Sacramento. He’s an expiring contract, but the Kings didn’t sacrifice much to acquire him if they aren’t willing or able to retain him.

Memphis Grizzlies: D

Marcus Smart’s tenure in Memphis didn’t turn out as expected, as he appeared in just 39 games across his 1.5 seasons with the Grizzlies. They had to attach a first-round pick to get off his contract and lost a good player in LaRavia for effectively nothing. They did what they felt they had to in this situation, even if it doesn’t look good from the outside. 

Washington Wizards: A-

The Wizards continue playing point guard at the deadline, facilitating deals, taking on undesired salary and adding valuable draft capital in the process. This marks their second deal of the day netting them a first-round pick.