Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston Celtics rumors: A Kings’ ransom in store for Marcus Smart

By Ryan Feyre

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on after being defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on after being defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

So far, it’s been an abnormally quiet free agency for Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics. However, the Sacramento Kings are eyeing defensive specialist Marcus Smart.

The Sacramento Kings are reported to be preparing an offer sheet for Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart, according to Slam Online. The defensive specialist is a restricted free agent, meaning the C’s can match Sacramento’s contract offer (whatever it may be).

Immediately following the Game 7 Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Smart told ESPN’s Jackie Macmullan that he’s worth more than $12 to $14 million a year. Smart also stated in that same interview that very few players bring the same intangibles to the court that he does.

The Jump also reported that Smart was “disgusted” with the lack of communication between him and the Celtics organization during this summer’s free agency.

More from Chowder and Champions

Many considered Smart to be the heart and soul of the C’s throughout his four-year tenure with the team, representing everything great about Brad Stevens’ vision.

While his stats aren’t eye-popping (he’s only averaged 9.4 points and 3.9 assists in his career, on 36 percent shooting), Smart brought intense effort to his game, igniting a fire in the squad multiple times during the 2018 playoffs.

Many credit his return from injury in the Milwaukee Bucks series as the turning point of their magnificent run.

As of right now, nothing else has surfaced with regards to Smart’s free agent desires. All we really know is Smart seems very frustrated with how things have played out since Boston’s exit from the postseason.

If Smart were to leave, and GM Danny Ainge refuses to match the offer Sacramento formulates, then the Celtics will have a tremendous defensive void to fill.

Currently, Stevens has Terry Rozier as the obvious choice to backup Kyrie Irving, but even he can be used as a trade piece while his value is still high.

On top of that, if Boston does decide to stay with Rozier, the Louisville product isn’t as polarizing as Smart is. The three-year player lacks any defensive game, and has too many inconsistencies for the organization to trust him fully.

Sacramento’s been notorious for striking out on deals, whether it be through trades or free agency (think DeMarcus Cousins trade). Regardless, if they can somehow manage to land Smart through a reasonable contract, then maybe the Kings can finally have a shot at being exciting again. Or at least watchable.

Next: Boston Celtics: Why Jabari Bird deserves a full-time roster spot

There’s still a great bit of mystery surrounding Smart’s situation. Hopefully, we will receive more answers rather than questions over the next few days.

Home/Boston Celtics