Marcus Smart and Wizards Finalize Contract Buyout: Will the Lakers Be His Next Stop?

Marcus Smart and the Washington Wizards have reached a contract buyout. The 31-year-old former NBA Defensive Player of the Year is set to join the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers. This follows a season where Smart was slated to earn $21.6 million in the last year of his contract.

Once Smart is released, he’ll need to wait 48 hours before signing with another team. It’s expected he’ll finalize a two-year contract with the Lakers, worth around $5.1 million this season and just under $5.4 million in 2026-27. The second year of the deal offers a player option.

Smart joined the Wizards earlier this year in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. He has been a strong role model for younger players, particularly on defense. However, the Wizards are looking to honor his wish to play for a contender, while also making room for their emerging talents like Bub Carrington and Bilal Coulibaly.

By adjusting their roster, the Wizards aim to improve their chances of retaining a valuable first-round pick in 2026. This strategy could see them finishing lower in the upcoming season, which would solidify their future plans.

The Lakers have recently focused on Smart after addressing some roster needs in free agency. Initially, they were also considering De’Anthony Melton for perimeter defense, but he’s now linked to a potential deal with the Golden State Warriors.

Bringing Smart into the mix adds significant defensive skill to the Lakers. He is a three-time All-Defensive team player and the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. This kind of experience is something the current Lakers squad lacks, aside from LeBron James.

In efforts to create cap space, the Lakers are contemplating waiving some players, including guards Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin, who has a partially guaranteed contract. This could help them maneuver financially after Smart clears waivers.

Before joining the Wizards, Smart spent nine seasons with the Boston Celtics, averaging notable stats that include 10.6 points and 1.6 steals per game. If the deal goes through, he would join a historical trend of former Celtics playing for the Lakers, a list that includes Rajon Rondo and Isaiah Thomas.

Interestingly, in the past, former Celtics players have often found success after joining the Lakers, and Smart is hopeful to continue that legacy. His journey also highlights ongoing conversations in the league about players seeking greater opportunities as they transition to different teams.

In summary, this move could reshape both the Wizards’ and Lakers’ futures. Smart’s experience and defensive skills are expected to play a vital role in the Lakers’ pursuit of a championship, while the Wizards turn their focus to developing young talent for the future.

For more detailed insights into player movements and contracts, you can check out this analysis from ESPN.

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Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA