There have been similar threads as of late, but you only do an extension if it is for a guaranteed bargain - like $40M/4yrs.
Next year there won't be nearly as much money in the FA market. There are also a number of marquee free agents who will be taking up most of that money...even non-marquee ones like AB. The new NBA salary spike really only benefits the REALLY good players as most of the salary cap will be taken up by them.
I would love to keep Marcus, but no reason to throw him a crazy contract extension offer now. Remember, we still have his RFA rights and Danny is more equipped now to match than before when we also had IT and AB as FAs to sign.
So should Danny offer the 4yr/$40M now and maybe Smart takes it? Or 4yr/$48M?
What are the pros/cons on the salary cap of offering now vs end of season? I'm guessing none since the extension would kick in at the same time regardless?
Well, the pro of Smart accepting an extension now for the Cs would be locking him in at an affordable rate and having him possibly make a 'jump' this season. For Marcus, it would be guaranteed money; if something happens in terms of injury or he shows no improvement in his shooting, then it locks him in at a solid rate without the pressures of contract negotiation.
The cons would be the opposite happening for both respective sides.
I tried to avoid the $48M/4 yrs number because that is a tough one. I think, ultimately, if Smart's agent came to Danny and said, 'that is final offer or we are waiting until the offseason,' Ainge would seriously have to consider it. With the new salary cap, it isn't that astronomical of a figure that he would become untradable. For what Marcus is currently providing (incredible defense, leadership, and playmaking), it's not like he would be that overpaid. He already played over 30mpg for the #1 seed in EC last year. That has to count for something.