Marcus Smart will be among some of the most highly-coveted restricted free agents this offseason, with teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns likely to express deep interest in him, according to Jordan Schultz of Yahoo Sports.
The Celtics are widely expected to be solid contenders to retain him, having the chance to match any offer sheet teams could extend his way over the course of the free agency period.
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.
Smart posted a career-high 10.2 points and 4.8 assists last season, and was a pivotal cog in the Celtics' defensive core, making his mark during the postseason with starter Kyrie Irving out with a knee injury.
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