Celtics, Marcus Smart Agree To New Deal
Despite what appeared to be a rather negative vibe coursing through the relationship of the Boston Celtics and Marcus Smart, as late as just over a week ago, it appears all is now completely good between the team and their guard.
With reports circulating, the past few days, of the the C's and Smart working towards a new deal, Yahoo Sports' Shams Charania has reported that the two sides have officially agreed to a new deal.
The deal reportedly covers four years and is worth $52 million. With an average annual value of $13 million, Smart is set to cash in on an extension many did not think would be so lucrative for the defensive-minded guard.
Operating as a restricted free agent this offseason, Smart was in search of a deal comenserate with what he ended up getting from the team that drafted him back in 2014.
While the C's originally played hardball with Smart, so did seemingly everyone else, as the veteran didn't get any teams to sign him to an offer sheet.
Smart coming back to the C's helps keep cohesion for Brad Stevens and company, as they look to attack an Eastern Conference that will be free of LeBron James for the first time since the superstar entered the league back in 2003.
While his defensive abilities and intensity are his greatest attributes on the court, Smart also possesses the ability to man the point guard position for Boston's second unit.