The Boston Celtics have still not reached an agreement with their Restricted Free Agent Marcus Smart. According to a report, there is now also a change.
According to Jordan Schultz of Yahoo Sports, several teams, including Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets, have already asked Celtics if they can sign and trade. Smart had already met with Brooklyn.
With the Celtics, on the other hand, little or no communication has taken place so far. He should not have responded to attempts from Boston to reach Smart, because he was “offended”, it continues: “Smart does not feel sufficiently respected by the Celtics front office.
Celtics President Danny Ainge, however, reiterated on Wednesday that Smart is Celtics’ last remaining priority in the Free Agency. A qualifying offer of $6.1 million has already been made, but Smart is hoping for a higher and longer term deal.
This would put Boston relatively securely in the luxury tax bracket, but the Celtics would have no problem with it. “It’s my job to be financially responsible, but we’ll pay the tax,” Ainge said. “I definitely plan to be a taxpayer.”
Smart, 24, had played 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 54 games for Celtics last season.