The Washington Wizards made a number of deals at the NBA trade deadline last week seeing many familiar faces shipped out, while bringing in multiple new players to add alongside the team's young core.
Of the multiple new names, the Wizards landed a former Defensive Player of the Year moments ahead of the 3 PM deadline on Thursday in a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Getting new players is always fun as you get to experience a new style of play on your favorite team, but it's also important to know that players that were offloaded by their previous teams have likely been dealt for a reason. In some cases, it's due to poor play, especially if the play is not measuring up to the contract they're on. Other times, it could simply be due to fit as team's seek different skill sets.
However, in Smart's case, the reason he was dealt may come to surface as soon as he's able to suit up for the Wizards following the All-Star break.
Smart's best days are behind him
Marcus Smart was drafted as a high lottery pick by the Boston Celtics in 2014. The Oklahoma State product has put together many solid years, but his impact on winning never came on the offensive side of the ball as his most impactful ways on the court were due to his abilities on the defensive side of the court.
Following multiple winning seasons in Boston, the guard found himself dealt to the Grizzlies as part of the Wizards and Celtics blockbuster trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Beantown. At the time of the deal, Memphis seemed to believe that Smart could be the missing piece to elevate their squad to the next level, but they quickly found out that may not be the case.
The 30-year-old has struggled to stay on the court suiting up for 39 games over the course of the last two seasons. As a result, he found himself removed from his spot in the team's starting lineup which led to the Grizzlies eventually shopping him on the trade market.
Not only were the Grizzlies looking to move Smart, but they had to attach draft capital to find a team willing to take on the guard's contract.
Considering his struggles to stay healthy, and his limited impact on the court, it's safe to say that Wizards' fans should temper their expectations of what Smart will offer Washington down the back half of the season.
However, if nothing else he will be able to serve as a veteran prescence in the locker room for Washington's young team.