NBA Rumors: Grizzlies' Marcus Smart Has 'Fans' in Rockets' Ime Udoka, Rafael Stone

Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone and head coach Ime Udoka are "fans" of Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart, according to The Athletic's Kelly Iko.

Iko floated a scenario in which the Grizzlies packaged Smart and the No. 9 overall pick in order to swap places with Houston at No. 3 overall in the 2024 NBA draft.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported on June 15 that Houston is amenable to trading back if it can land "a player who can help the franchise win now and elevate to a playoff team and sustainable success as a playoff team going forward."

Smart would seemingly meet that threshold. The 30-year-old grew to become a locker room leader for the Boston Celtics over his nine years there, and that would be invaluable for the Rockets as they look to take the next step after finishing with their best record (41-41) since 2019-20.

The 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-Defensive honoree, he would also be a great fit in the backcourt alongside Fred VanVleet. He and Udoka have an existing rapport, too, thanks to Udoka's one season as Boston's head coach in 2021-22.

Smart had a forgettable debut campaign in Memphis. He averaged 14.5 points, 4.3 assists and 2.1 steals through 20 appearances before getting sidelined in mid-January with a finger injury. He didn't return for the remainder of the year.

The extent to which the Grizzlies are willing to shop Smart in trades is unclear. He's still under contract for two more seasons, so there isn't the looming threat of him leaving as a free agent.

Memphis could, however, prefer to spend the $41.8 million Smart is due to earn differently.

Desmond Bane is starting his max extension in 2024-25. As a result, the franchise has nearly $96 million committed to just he, Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. next season. That doesn't leave a ton of wiggle room with a projected salary cap of $141 million.

Flipping Smart for a rookie on a cost-controlled deal would also give general manager Zach Kleiman more long-term flexibility as he continues to construct the roster around the trio of Bane, Morant and Jackson.