Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart is reportedly likely to sign his qualifying offer with the team, according to A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston. The $6.1 million qualifying offer allows Smart to be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019.
It was reported recently that Smart was not happy with the Celtics and the ongoing discussions between him and the team. His restricted free agent status, meaning Boston can match any offer he recieves from another team, has scared other teams away.
Smart, a defensive stalwart, is someone the Celtics have said they want to keep on the roster according to Blakely. Previously, Marcus Smart valued himself as over the $12-$14 million range. If he signs the qualifiying offer, he will make around half of that. On the flip side, the 2018-2019 season offers Smart the opportunity to improve his value for next summer when he can be a free agent again.
Smart missed several weeks this past season with a sprained thumb, but returned for the playoffs. The 24-year-old averaged 10.2 points per game last season on 36.7 percent shooting.
