As the NBA Draft approaches, it is no secret that teams will try and make a play for Boston Celtics hybrid guard Marcus Smart, who proved a catalyst of the team's success in the postseason after suffering an injury to delay his playoff run.
NBA Insider Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports said during the Toucher & Rich Podcast that several teams could be in play for his services.
via Dakota Randall of New England Sports Network:
“I think there are a lot of people out there that really like Marcus Smart,” Mannix said. ” … Sacramento is going to get in it, I think Denver, if they can move some pieces around before free agency to clear some space, which i think they will — I think they’re going to get into it. I think Indiana is a team that, depending on what happens with Thaddeus Young and his contract, I think they’re going to get in it. ” … Going after him is one thing, but offering $15 million per year is another. … He’s going to get offered some money, but I’m not sure it’s going to be an offer that Boston’s not going to be able to match.”
Truth be told, every team could use a player with the toughness and grit that Smart brings to the table, but that intangible talent will come at a cost, as the 6-foot-4 guard believes he's worth more than the $12 million annual price tag he's expected to command when he tests the free agency waters.
Smart will be a restricted free agent this offseason, giving the Celtics the chance to match any offer made for him over the course of this summer.
These teams will have to be willing to pay up to pry him away from the hands of the Celtics, who have refused to trade him in several instances prior to the trade deadline and remain intent in keeping him, so long as it makes financial sense.
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