Though the Boston Celtics are almost certainly solidified as one of the top Eastern Conference contenders next season, questions loom around their most important bench piece.
Guard Marcus Smart is currently a restricted free agent and is still uncertain as to whether he will return to Boston next season. Apparently, the Celtics are quite apprehensive themselves as they have reportedly yet to contact the blue-collar Smart about a possible contract. According to Boston Herald’s Mark Murphy, Smart is not happy that the Celtics haven’t yet reached out about his future with the club.
Though the NBA marketplace has overflowed with activity since the opening of free agency on July 1, Marcus Smart and his negotiating team are still waiting for their first call from the Celtics.
And according to someone close to the Smart camp, who requested anonymity to comment on the situation, the Celts guard is frustrated with the lack of outreach from his team.
“He loves the Celtics, but with these crickets he’s hearing, he’s hurt and disgusted by it,” said the source.
It had been reported earlier on in the summer that Marcus Smart would be seeking somewhere between $12 million and $14 million annually out of his new contract. Though Smart has played as part of Boston’s second unit his whole career, that’s a fair asking price considering the immense impact he has on the game.
While Smart hopes to be back with Boston, if they haven’t reached out by now they may be exploring other options first. Smart can accept any potential offer sheet that comes his way but Boston will have the right to match it if they hope to retain the Oklahoma State product.
