It has been roughly more than a week since the start of free agency, which has shifted the attention over to the notable restricted free agents still left on the market. Among those is veteran guard Marcus Smart, who has yet to receive any serious interest from around the league, all while the Boston Celtics have yet to work toward a new deal.
With that in mind, Smart was spotted on Monday night speaking with Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, according to Michael Scotto of The Athletic.
What appears to be Boston Celtics restricted free agent Marcus Smart and his agent having a conversation with Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks at the Thomas and Mack Center on Monday night. pic.twitter.com/04EaquaNxy
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 10, 2018
The Nets have enough salary cap space to make a significant offer sheet to possibly bring him aboard to help further stabilize their backcourt alongside D'Angelo Russell, Jeremy Lin, and Spencer Dinwiddie. He has developed into one of the premier defenders at his position, and Smart has become a strong all-around contributor off the bench.
Smart is coming off another productive campaign, averaging 10.2 points along with 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 29.9 minutes per contest in 54 games played. In his 11 starts this past season, he averaged 11.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.7 steals in 33.8 minutes per game.
Although he was sidelined for a lengthy period of time due to a right thumb sprain/right thumb surgery and right-hand laceration, Marcus has shown to be a valuable asset for the Celtics' backcourt.
Boston might be waiting to see the type of market that Smart has before making an offer in order to avoid overpaying. The ball is in their court to decide whether they are willing to match any offer sheet he receives from another team this offseason. Things should begin to take shape over the next few days, as Smart could see his next contract be put forth before him.
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