On December 28, the Grizzlies announced Smart was "diagnosed with a partial tear of the proximal extensor hood of his right index finger" and would be re-evaluated in two weeks. Over a month later, Smart is still week-to-week with no return date in mind.

Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman explained why the team traded away Marcus Smart, moments before the deadline ended.

The Marcus Smart era with the Grizzlies came to an end right before Thursday’s trade deadline. Smart is headed from the Grizzlies to the Wizards in a multi-team trade as first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Grizzlies are sending a first-round pick to the Wizards while Memphis gets two second-round picks.

The Grizzlies are trading Marcus Smart and a 2025 first-round pick to the Wizards in a multiteam trade that sends two second-round picks to Memphis.

Memphis moves on from Marcus Smart in a multi-team trade, while Washington adds veteran leadership and Sacramento reshapes its roster before the deadline.

Marcus Smart said he expected a trade, though he was a little surprised since he was moved by the Grizzlies to the Wizards right before the deadline.