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Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports reported Monday that Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart and his agent Happy Walters have not heard from the team’s front office on a possible contract extension.
Marcus Smart has strong desire to remain in Boston, but tells The Vertical he and agent Happy Walters have yet to hear from Celtics front office on possible extension.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 9, 2017
Smart is eligible for a rookie-scale extension before the October 16th deadline. If he and the Celtics do not agree to a deal before the start of the regular season, Smart will become a restricted free agent once free agency begins in July.
Numerous rookie scale extensions have been signed throughout the NBA. Gary Harris recently signed a four-year $84 million deal with the Nuggets, and Norman Powell signed a four-year $42 million extension with the Raptors.
Marcus Smart has played very well in Boston’s first two preseason games. He is averaging 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists in 17 minutes per game and is shooting 5/9 from three. Showing off a new, slim frame and improved shooting touch, Smart looks poised for a breakout season.
During the Celtics’ Media Day, Smart talked briefly on the possibility of a contract extension.
"We've talked about (an extension)," Smart said, "but it's nothing major like it's talking every day. It's been mentioned but my main focus is getting ready for this season."
With a week left until the extension deadline arrives, the Celtics and Smart have a lot to think about regarding his contract going into his fourth professional season.