'Makes sense' if former Boston Celtics heart and soul isn't traded to Lakers or Bucks

According to MassLive's Brian Robb, it'd "make sense" if former Boston Celtics heart and soul Marcus Smart stuck with the Memphis Grizzlies instead of being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers or Milwaukee Bucks.

"While the Grizzlies have taken a stepback this season amid a shorthanded campaign that has included a season-ending injury to Ja Morant, it makes sense for them to hold onto Smart for now, Robb prefaced before saying, "The 6-foot-3 guard is still under contract for two more seasons through the 2025-26 campaign at reasonable money, averaging $20 million a year.

"Memphis will be looking to retool and come back strong next year around their young core of Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. with Smart expected to be a key part of their equation. The Grizzlies also limited their payroll crunch issues for next year by moving Adams and his $12.6 million for next season in the Houston deal. That maneuver should give the franchise more flexibility to adjust supporting parts of the roster while keeping Smart in place."

Bucks have better chance at landing former Boston Celtics heart and soul Marcus Smart than Lakers do

The Lakers have the means to make serious trade deadline splashes this year, but it all hinges on their willingness to part with third-year wing Austin Reaves; something L.A.'s front office has been vehemently against thus far. Reaves gets a Smart deal done. The Lakers apparently don't want a Smart deal done that badly, though.

Milwaukee is a different story. With more expendable and tradeable pieces to cede than the Lakers have, like Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton, the Bucks are just a few draft picks shy of making a Smart deal happen. Portis' Arkansas roots make him a logical fit with the Grizzlies, although Connaughton certainly jams up Memphis' wing rotation even more.