3 Former Bucks' trade targets who could resurface in 2024-25
By Dalton Sell
Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies
Many Milwaukee Bucks fans were thrilled when Yahoo Sports' NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the team called the Memphis Grizzlies to inquire about a trade for Marcus Smart last season. Those fans were not so thrilled when Fischer reported soon after that they were shut down and that Smart would be staying put in Memphis for the time being.
Smart, a three-time All-Defensive honoree and 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year, would be just what the doctor ordered on defense for Milwaukee. Despite standing at just 6-foot-3, he's one of the most versatile defenders in the game, picking up players of all shapes and sizes; Bucks fans know of this from his days hounding Giannis Antetokounmpo in matchups against the Boston Celtics.
The guard would be the perfect backcourt mate next to Damian Lillard, taking on the tough draws defensively while Lillard focuses on his offensive output, something that could be crucial to get the best out of him this coming season. Like Thybulle, Smart has never been much of a shooter, having hit 32.3 percent of his 3-point tries in his career, but his defensive play makes all of that worthwhile.
Adding Smart to the mix would also add another element to Milwaukee's ongoing rivalry with Boston, who brought in former Bucks guard Jrue Holiday last offseason. Smart was beloved with the Celtics, so seeing him in Milwaukee could spray even more fuel on the fire during these intense matchups as both teams hunt for another NBA championship.
With a $20.2 million salary for 2024-25, any trade to Milwaukee would have to see the Bucks give up Brook Lopez, who makes $23 million. For a defender of Smart's caliber, many would say it'd be worth it. Of course, the Memphis Grizzlies also have to be willing to trade Smart, unlike they were last year. That likely won't stop the Milwaukee Bucks from at least checking in at some point this season.