Marcus Smart wants to remain with Celtics, but no extension talks yet with key date looming
Celtics guard Marcus Smart has a strong desire to remain in Boston, but told The Vertical on Monday that his agent, Happy Walters, has yet to hear from the team’s front office about a possible extension.
Members of the 2014 NBA draft class have until midnight ET on Oct. 16 to reach agreements on extensions.
[Now’s the time to sign up for Fantasy Basketball! Join for free]
Smart, 23, entered training camp this season in the best shape of his professional career and with an improved jump shot. After the Celtics revamped the roster with the additions of Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, Smart has received praise from Celtics coaches and players for his leadership and acceptance of a reserve role. Smart has often defended the top perimeter guards for the Celtics.
Smart has averaged 10 points, four rebounds and two assists while shooting 5-of-9 from 3-point range in two preseason games.
For Boston, allowing Smart to reach restricted free agency next offseason could bring the threat of a rival team creating an offer sheet that would make things difficult for the Celtics because of their high payroll. Teams are expected to value Smart’s abilities on both ends of the floor, as well as his pedigree as part of a winning culture in Boston.
Smart was the No. 6 overall pick in 2014 by the Celtics. He averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 79 games last season.
