The Boston Celtics have extended a qualifying offer to versatile guard Marcus Smart, making him a restricted free agent.
One question surrounding the Celtics since their season ended was what they would do with Smart, who could have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Boston has ensured that won’t happen by reportedly extending Smart a qualifying offer of just over $6 million.
The Boston Celtics have tendered a qualifying offer to Marcus Smart. He's now a restricted free agent. The Celtics can match any offer sheet Smart signs with another team.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 29, 2018
The qualifying offer for Marcus Smart is $6,053,719. If he signs the QO, this is the amount he would play for Boston for in 2018-19. He would also have a no-trade clause, as he playing under a one-year contract that has Bird Rights at the end.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 29, 2018
When healthy, Smart has been an important piece for the Celtics over the past four seasons. He is good defensively and has a knack for making hustle plays that often don’t show up in the box score. Although his offensive output is ridiculed at times, it’s obvious he has value to the Celtics, and they took the first step in seeing to it that he does not suit up for another team next season. They now have the opportunity to match any offer sheet he signs.
