Marcus Smart has been a key component for Boston Celtics teams over the last few seasons. Smart is an elite perimeter defender, and he has a slightly inconsistent though solid offensive game. Smart averaged 17.8 PPG and 6.0 APG during the Boston Celtics’ series against the Brooklyn Nets this season.
It looks as though the Boston Celtics could be looking to extend Marcus Smart offseason. A report by Mark Murphy suggests that the Boston Celtics have offered Smart a 4-year deal that would net Smart around $17 million a season. While it may seem like an overpay to some, elite defensive players are often hard to replace, and Marcus Smart is one of the best guard defenders in the league. While Marcus Smart doesn’t necessarily get gaudy scoring numbers all the time, he is crucial to the chemistry and the locker room in Boston. It remains to be seen if Smart accepts the offer.
Hear that the three-team trade (Bos.-ATL-Sac) will be announced soon, unchanged. … Celtics await a response from Smart agent Jason Glushon, but are said to be willing to extend him for roughly $17M over four years.
— Mark Murphy (@Murf56) August 6, 2021
A clarification: Celtics await a response from Smart agent Jason Glushon, but are said to be willing to extend him for roughly $17M per over four years.
— Mark Murphy (@Murf56) August 6, 2021
Locking Marcus Smart through his prime is a good idea from Brad Stevens. The Boston Celtics look like they’ll try to contend this season, with the team acquiring veteran Al Horford from the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, as well as wing Josh Richardson from the Dallas Mavericks. We have seen Marcus Smart elevate his game in the playoffs before, and he is certainly good enough to be a key contributor on the team. If Marcus Smart develops more consistent shot creation/shooting, then $17M could be an absolute steal for the Boston Celtics.
The Boston Celtics will face a lot of competition in the Eastern Conference this season, with many Eastern Conference teams making moves to improve, such as the Chicago Bulls. However, they have two great young stars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and if they manage to lock up Smart to an extension, they will be competitive for years to come.
