Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart is looking to get paid

The Boston Celtics are going to have to make some tough decisions in the offseason, one of them being Marcus Smart. It looks like resigning the fan favorite just got a whole lot harder.

The Boston Celtics are one win away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, but it looks like they will have another challenge this offseason. Marcus Smart is a free agent and will be headed into a free agent market that can be very lucrative.

NBA free agency is where money is thrown around like it grows on trees. Among the major 4 sports leagues in the United States, basketball players get the fattest paychecks.

Now Smart is coming off one of his best seasons. He has proven how important he is to the Celtics. He is a supreme defender, who will do anything for his teammates.

More from Chowder and Champions

This season Smart averaged 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. The Celtics are a completely different team with Smart on the floor. He makes everyone around him a better player by working down opposing players.

Now personally I thought that Smart would possibly take a hometown discount to stay with the C’s. He fits perfectly on the Celtics and would be the backbone of the Celtics second unit. ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan thinks that won’t be the case.

"I’ve talked to lots of people around the Celtics and around the league about Marcus Smart. If Marcus Smart was willing to take a – let’s say Sacramento for arguments sake or another team that isn’t quite good. And they offer him $14 million a year. And the Celtics say, ‘We can’t pay you that. But we’ll pay you $12 (million).’”“My question to them was will Marcus Smart take it because they’re contending, he’s a cult hero in town. Every one of them said, ‘Hell no, he’s going for the money.’ I’ve never asked him this question. But that’s the impression I get. You can’t blame young guys who want to go out to the highest bidder and thinks he should be a starter and he’s not going to be one in Boston for many years to come,” said MacMullen."

Smart may be headed out the door

Now I love Marcus Smart. How can you not? He gives 110% on every play. Beyond that his defensive skills are insane. He may not be the best offensive player, but his defense sure makes up for it.

With all that being said I don’t think the Celtics need to overpay for Smart. We have seen how great Terry Rozier is. He is an absolute beast so he would be the replacement for Smart. You will miss Smart’s defense, but also don’t forget who will be the Celtics starting point guard next season, oh yeah it’s Kyrie Irving. Irving is one of the best players in the league. If we lose Smart the Celtics will be just fine.

I also don’t think Smart will be successful on another team. If he is a starter fans may get quickly annoyed with his errant shots and lack of offensive skills.

Next: Jalen Rose says Kyrie Irving wants Celtics to lose

Smart is looking to get a bag and you can’t blame him, but if he was smart he would stay in Boston.

Home/Boston Celtics