Marcus Banks

Banks was selected as the thirteenth pick in the first round of the 2003 NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies; however, he was then traded to the Boston Celtics along with Kendrick Perkins for Troy Bell and Dahntay Jones. The Celtics agreed to trade to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004 for Gary Payton, but returned to Boston after the trade was amended following Payton's refusal to take a physical. Payton would later be acquired by the Celtics in a trade involving different players.

In Boston, Banks was known for his good defense and ball handling; Allen Iverson, a division-rival point guard, named Banks as the toughest defender he faced in his career.[2] However, coach Doc Rivers had high hopes for young guard Delonte West, and Banks' minutes were reduced. On January 26, 2006, it was announced that Banks, Mark Blount, Ricky Davis and Justin Reed were traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Wally Szczerbiak, Michael Olowokandi and Dwayne Jones.[3]

Banks signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Suns on July 19, 2006.[4]

In 2007, the Suns spent training camp working Banks into a shooting-guard role when they were not seeking a trade, a tough proposition with Banks in the second year of a five-year, $21.3 million contract.

On February 6, 2008, Banks, along with All-Star forward Shawn Marion, was traded to the Miami Heat for Shaquille O'Neal.[5] On February 13, 2009, Banks and Marion were traded to the Toronto Raptors for Jermaine O'Neal and Jamario Moon.[6] Banks' final game in the NBA was during his time with the Raptors on November 16th, 2010 in a 94 - 109 loss to the Washington Wizards. In his final game, Banks recorded 2 points and 2 assists.

On November 20, 2010, Banks was traded to the New Orleans Hornets with Jarrett Jack and David Andersen for Peja Stojaković and Jerryd Bayless.[7] In his 5½-month tenure with the Hornets, Banks never played a game for the team, effectively ending his NBA career.[8]

On November 12, 2012, Banks was acquired by the Greek League club Panathinaikos Athens.[9] He was released in May 2013.[10]