In July of 2015, the Celtics signed Amir Johnson to a 2 year, 24M deal (2nd year team option). This was during the summer where the likes of Leonard, Butler, Aldridge, Gasol, DeAndre Jordan and many others were available, but most of them re-upped with their own teams or went elsewhere (we weren't as appealing a destination *yet* and still didn't have max cap space at the time)

This was the last summer before the cap soared and teams started giving absurd contracts to players (the likes of Turner, Noah, Mozgov, Biyombo, etc)

We had signed Amir Johnson to be a steady veteran presence for the team and to improve the team, but also so that, if a deal could be made for another star later on that season (or the next), we could use his salary to help facilitate the deal (Jerebko too - who we signed for 2 years/10M at the time, team option 2nd year). It never happened, as we picked up his 2nd year option but kept him (though he seemed to be a great locker room guy and good presence overall).

But I think doing this kind of deal makes great sense for both Marcus Smart and the Celtics. How so?

1. Smart obviously wants to get paid. Unfortunately, many teams seem to be capped out at the moment because of those absurd contracts given during the summer of 2016. But here's the thing. Most of those contracts could come off the books by the summer of 2020, so more teams could have cap space again. Smart would turn 26 at the time and would likely start entering his prime.

2. The Celtics would benefit because they’ll get two more years out of an important player at salary they can afford. They would also still have Smart at a very trade-able salary (probably next summer or during his 2nd year), which could facilitate an in-season deal moving forward. Now I won't say it will be for Anthony Davis, but certainly if another disgruntled star becomes available in the coming year or two, Ainge could pounce. Otherwise, we get at least two more years of Smart for a legit run at a championship. The problem in coming up with trades these days is, we got three max players (our main core), but then a bunch of rookie deals/cheap contracts, which makes it hard to match salaries without gutting the team, and so having a decent-sized contract like Smart sounds ideal.

MY IDEAL OFFER: Celtics should offer Smart 3 years, 33M (3rd year player option)

If Smart thinks he can get paid in UFA following the 2019-2020 season, then he can simply opt-out. Otherwise, having an 11M option the 3rd year is a nice fallback for him. Meanwhile, this deal isn't detrimental for the C's and we keep Smart at a very reasonable rate. I'm sure Ainge can work some magic wherever needed to avoid paying the tax this year if that's the goal.

Of course, we just have to pray there isn't a stupid team out there that's willing to offer Smart something like 4 years, 65M+ (in which case, he's gone for good). But I honestly doubt that will happen. This isn't like with Evan Turner where he entered FA at such a good time where cap went up and teams were offering absurd contracts left and right. Even the bad teams out there with cap may be wary about giving out these kind of deals now.

What do you guys think?