What Happened to Marcus Osmond Smart?
Marcus Smart is an American professional basketball player known for his tenacious defense, winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022. After a successful nine-year tenure with the Boston Celtics, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023, then briefly to the Washington Wizards in 2025 before signing with the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2025, where he currently plays as of March 2026, contributing his defensive prowess and veteran leadership.
Quick Answer
Marcus Smart currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA, having signed a two-year contract in July 2025 after brief stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards. As of March 2026, he is an active member of the Lakers, contributing defensively and offensively, averaging 9.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in the 2025-26 season. He has dealt with minor injuries, including a knee collision and a finger issue, but continues to be a key veteran presence for the team.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Drafted by Boston Celtics
Marcus Smart was selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics.
Re-signs with Celtics
Smart re-signed with the Boston Celtics on a four-year, $52 million contract.
Signs Contract Extension with Celtics
The Celtics re-signed Smart to a four-year, $77 million contract extension, solidifying his role as the starting point guard.
Named NBA Defensive Player of the Year
Marcus Smart was named the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first guard to win the award since Gary Payton in 1996.
Reaches NBA Finals with Celtics
Smart played a crucial role in leading the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Golden State Warriors.
Traded to Memphis Grizzlies
Smart was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-team deal that sent Kristaps Porziņģis to the Celtics. The trade reportedly came as a shock to Smart.
Grizzlies Debut
Smart made his debut for the Memphis Grizzlies, scoring 17 points, three assists, and two steals in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Traded to Washington Wizards
Smart was traded to the Washington Wizards along with Colby Jones and Alex Len in a three-team trade, primarily for financial flexibility for the Grizzlies.
Waived by Washington Wizards
After a brief stint, Smart was waived by the Wizards following a contract buyout agreement.
Signs with Los Angeles Lakers
Smart signed a two-year, $10.52 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent, seeking to provide defensive leadership.
Returns from Back Injury
Smart was cleared to return from a back injury and was expected to play against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, having missed six games.
Suffers Knee Collision
Smart sustained a knee collision during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, leading to an early exit, though coach JJ Redick indicated it was not a serious injury.
Finger Injury Recurrence
His surgically repaired right index finger 'popped out' during a game against the Mavericks, which he manually reset himself to continue playing.
Strong Defensive Performance
In a 128-104 win over the Sacramento Kings, Smart recorded nine points, three rebounds, three assists, and five steals, highlighting his continued defensive impact.
Current Season Averages
As of this date, Marcus Smart is averaging 9.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2025-26 NBA season.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Marcus Smart, born March 6, 1994, established himself as one of the NBA's premier defensive guards during his nine seasons with the Boston Celtics. Drafted sixth overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, Smart quickly became a fan favorite for his hustle, intensity, and clutch plays. His defensive impact culminated in him being named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, becoming only the second point guard in history to achieve this honor. He also earned three NBA All-Defensive First Team selections and helped lead the Celtics to the NBA Finals in 2022.
A significant turning point in Smart's career came on June 22, 2023, when he was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-team deal that sent Kristaps Porziņģis to Boston. The trade reportedly blindsided Smart, who had been told by Celtics officials just a week prior not to worry about a trade. He made his Grizzlies debut on October 25, 2023, and despite averaging a career-best 14.4 points and 2.0 steals by the 2024 All-Star break, his time in Memphis was significantly hampered by injuries, limiting him to just 20 games in the 2023-24 season.
His tenure with the Grizzlies was short-lived, as he was traded again on February 6, 2025, to the Washington Wizards in another multi-team deal. This move was largely seen as a financial flexibility play for the Grizzlies, allowing them to potentially renegotiate Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract. Smart's time in Washington was even briefer; he was waived by the Wizards on July 20, 2025, after a contract buyout agreement.
Immediately following his buyout, Smart signed a two-year, $10.52 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on July 22, 2025, including a player option for 2026-27. This move was reportedly influenced by Luka Doncic, who expressed a desire for Smart's defensive capabilities. The Lakers aimed to bolster their defensive identity and add veteran leadership with Smart's acquisition.
As of March 11, 2026, Marcus Smart is an active player for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has continued to battle injuries during the 2025-26 season, including returning from a back injury in December 2025, a knee collision in January 2026, and a recurring issue with his surgically repaired right index finger, which he notably popped back into place himself during a game. Despite these setbacks, Smart remains an essential piece for the Lakers, providing crucial defensive intensity, leadership, and experience, averaging 9.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game this season.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Marcus Osmond Smart made different choices?