The Boston Celtics and restricted free agent Marcus Smart are progressing towards a new deal, per Keith Smith of RealGM. Smith also adds that as cap space in the league dries up, there is less urgency for a deal to get done.
Smart is a glue guy for Brad Stevens' Celtics and it's likely that the two sides will come to an agreement eventually. For now, there is no rush to get anything done.
As it stands, the Celtics can match any offer sheet that Smart gets from another team, but it may not come down to that. It appears that there is mutual interest from both sides.
The 24-year-old has averaged 9.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists during his four-year career with the Celtics. But Smart's mark on the game goes far beyond the box score. The Oklahoma State product is a bulldog on defense, routinely guarding opposing team's best guards.
He's a scrappy player and although he can let his emotions get the better of him at times, he's a key piece on the Celtics. He may not shoot the ball all that well, but he does the little things that are necessary to win games.
With free agency cooling off a bit, it's unlikely that Boston will make any big splash. Smart is undoubtedly one of their top priorities.
Following LeBron James' exodus to Los Angeles, the Boston Celtics are in a great position to run the table in the Eastern Conference. Bringing back Marcus Smart could be a huge part of that.
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