The Dallas Mavericks are looking for backcourt help this offseason, and Marcus Smart may be a name to watch.
The Washington Wizards are reportedly exploring trade options for the veteran guard this offseason, according to Matt Moore of Hardwood Paroxysm. With Kyrie Irving expected to miss an extended period after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee in March, Smart could serve as a viable short-term replacement.
Smart was acquired by the Wizards from the Grizzlies at the 2024-25 trade deadline. He averaged 9.3 points, 2.5 assists, 1.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals over 15 regular-season appearances (one start) with Washington.
Jimmy Crowther of All Things Mavs recently compiled a mock trade that would send the defensive-minded guard to Dallas.
Here’s the proposed trade from Crowther:
Mavericks receive: Marcus Smart, 2025 No. 18 pick
Wizards receive: Daniel Gafford, Jaden Hardy, Dwight Powell
In this scenario, the Mavericks would part with two experienced big men in Gafford and Powell, along with Hardy — a 22-year-old shooting guard who flashed potential with six 20-plus-point games this past season.
Even so, Dallas would still maintain plenty of frontcourt depth with Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. The club could also look to retain restricted free agents Kai Jones and Kessler Edwards, who were both on two-way deals last season.
In return, the Mavericks would land a tenacious point-of-attack defender in Smart, along with a mid-first-round pick in what’s projected to be a deep 2025 NBA Draft. While some view Smart’s expiring $21.6 million contract as a negative asset, his defensive prowess and veteran leadership could fill a critical need during Irving’s absence.
