According to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, Marcus Smart is prepared to sign the Boston Celtics’ qualifying offer “if it comes to it.”
New: Latest on Marcus Smart situation. A source close to Smart says he’s “over it” & prepared to sign qualifying offer if it comes to it. But league sources say the Cs’ fondness for Smart has not waned, and that Ainge will mend personal fences if needed: https://t.co/aFBYOa9FGb
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) July 7, 2018
Per league sources, the Celtics’ “perceived lack of interest in contacting Smart was not indicative of any change in their view of the talented young guard.”
Himmelsbach went on to say that he’s hearing the Celtics do not want this seen as a standoff. There is a mutual interest between both parties, and the Celtics still see Smart as a part of their future.
There aren’t a lot of teams that currently have the cap space to offer Smart a $15-17 million deal, which is why Smart would be willing to take the qualifying offer of $6 million. If he does sign the qualifying offer, Smart will become an unrestricted free agent after next season.