I’d like him back, but it’s hard to commit big money to a guy who is only proficient on one end (Kyrie aside, haha). If we can get him for around the MLE, I’d love to have him back.
If you’re Marcus’ agent, do you recommend a sub-$9 million contract, or do you have him play on his qualifying offer?
His agent is a baffoon. He will try to get him to sign the qualifier and go elsewhere. But it will just sour the relationship Smart values. It also guarantees he makes less going forward because just like Thomas and Bradley, the Celtics will cut ties to save a buck, indicating to the league that the team that knows him best isn't even willing to invest in this guy so why should we pay him. Best move in Smart's position is to take a deal for 2-3 years, make good money and work your arse off to get in a position to make a better contract before you plateau.
I'm not so sure the Celtics will cut ties to save a buck. Danny has mentioned several times that he regrets letting Tony Allen go in free agency; I see similarities here with both being gritty, defensive-minded players who contribute more to winning than what shows in the box score.
I believe the Celtics will find a way to keep Smart unless a blockbuster trade scenario comes into play this summer. Some people get tired of talking about the "little things" in regards to Smart, but I agree with you that his contributions go way beyond the box score. His intensity and defensive communication makes the entire team play with a better sense of purpose. He also has a knack for lifting the team out a funk when needed.
Smart is an ideal complimentary piece to go along with a core of Irving, Hayward, Tatum, Brown and Horford. His impact will only increase as this group grows together. I can picture him being like a Bruce Bowen, Robert Horry, Derrick Fisher, or James Posey type of player on a title team. All of those players were instrumental in helping their team win in the playoffs. None were easy to replace.
