Boston Celtics offseason: Making the Smart decision
By Kane Pitman
How much can Boston afford to spend?
Though Smart is slated to hit restricted free agency in the coming weeks, one alternative option would to re-sign for the qualifying offer and test unrestricted free agency next summer. Personally, I feel like this is an unlikely option, but given he did just complete an injury interrupted season (missing 28 regular season games), he may feel that he has left some dollars on the table.
Smart gives every indication he wants to remain in Boston, despite the price tag he believes he should demand. In speaking with ESPN, Smart couldn’t have been more heartfelt about his feelings toward the city of Boston.
"“I want to be in Boston. I want to be here,” Smart said. “I love this city, I love this team, I love the atmosphere it gives off. I’ve been here for four years. My heart’s here.”"
Making things slightly complicated for the Celtics front office will be the return of Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward to the rotation in 2018-19. Would Smart average 30 minutes per game with the insertion of two All-Star guards into the lineup?
If not, how much are you realistically willing to pay for a role player who is limited offensively by modern day standards?
Boston is certainly in an enviable position cap-wise given they have two certifiable studs in Tatum and Brown on rookie contracts, but as always, they must ensure they look to the future before allowing Smart to sign on the dotted line.
As always with restricted free agency, the decision may be taken out of their hands by an extremely aggressive rival suitor. My sense is that Smart wants to stay in Boston, but only for the right price.
Next: The 50 greatest NBA players of all time (updated, 2016-17)
For me, I’d be willing to offer a three-year, $36 million deal for a competitor like Smart, who has become a heart and soul character in the locker room. According to Spotrac, this would fall in line with the $13 million cap hold for next season. If the Celtics are pushed to part ways with more cash, it could become a hard pass.