Boston Celtics Retain Marcus Smart Locking Him Up To Massive Deal To Ensure The Game Changing Defender Remain’s In Green

On Thursday the stand-off between the Boston Celtics and restricted free agent Marcus Smart finally ended.

Early in the morning a confirmed meeting between Boston and Smart’s camp was leaked with the goal being to lock down the numbers and get the deal done. And the two groups accomplished just that.

Just two hours after the meeting report came out another report came out saying that Smart and the C’s had agreed to a four-year deal worth $52 million.

The Boston Celtics confirmed the news early Thursday afternoon but did not disclose the terms of the contract despite the numbers already being vastly reported by multiple media outlets.

“Keeping Marcus in a Celtics uniform was a top priority, and we’re excited to have accomplished that,” said Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge. “His intensity is unmatched, and the level of toughness that he brings to the team throughout the course of the entire season is second to none.”

“This is where I want to be, and I’m ready to put a green jersey back on and get to work,” said Smart. “I’m determined to help my teammates bring another championship to the best fans in the world.”

The 24-year-old has built roots in the Boston area holding multiple charity events and has become on the beloved players on the team by the fans due to his grittiness of play and his willingness to put his body on the line for his team.

Smart only played in 54 games in 2017 but managed to average 29.9 mpg, 10.2 ppg, and a career high 4.8 apg. What he brings that can’t be told by simply stats though is a real toughness and the ability to be a true game changer at the defensive end of the floor. That is something the Celtics desperately needed to keep given the fact that the team no longer has Avery Bradley who was traded to Detroit prior to last season to acquire Marcus Morris.

Locking up Smart is by far the biggest move of Boston’s offseason given the fact that the team that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals is essentially adding two all-stars back into the fold who didn’t play a single minute in the playoffs in Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward.

It is unclear if Boston has any other moves up their sleeves but given the fact that Hayward is being added, and Irving is going to be healthy, paired with the growth of young players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown the Celtics didn’t need to do much to remain the team to beat in the East with LeBron James taking his talents to La La Land.

Boston Celtics Rumors: Celtics Showing Interest In Dwight Howard According To A Report

With the Brooklyn Nets reportedly buying out recently acquired center Dwight Howard, it appears the Boston Celtics might have some interest.

According to ASherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston, the Celtics are among the teams that could be interested in Howard.

This wouldn’t be the first time that Danny Ainge has expressed interest in Howard, and with the price low, why not try and sign the rim protector? Boston has both Greg Monroe and Aron Baynes as unrestricted free agents and if one or both leaves there is going to be a need for a rebounder and a shot blocker, a spot that Howard fits.

The question will be if Howard is willing to accept a role off of the bench and take a back seat on offense.

For the Celtics adding a potential chemistry virus in Howard might not be worth the upside that he can bring.

Boston Celtics Win In An Absolute Thriller To Take Game 2 From The Philadelphia 76ers With Big Games From Jayson Tatum And Terry Rozier

The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 108-103 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

The leading scorer for the Boston Celtics was Jayson Tatum who had 21 points followed by Terry Rozier who had 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists. Al Horford had a double-double with 13 pts and 12 rebounds. The surprise of the night was the fact that Jaylen Brown was able to play.

Brown had been dealing with a Hamstring injury that had him doubtful for Game 2 only to be upgraded to probable just an hour before tip-off. It was clear that the hamstring was bothering him on Thursday night but he was still able to score 13 points and hit some critical shots for the Celtics down the stretch.

Philly held a lead of 22 points in the 2nd quarter but a 20-5 run by Boston to close the 1st half made it a 56-51 game at the half. The C’s had an 8 point lead early in the 3rd but the Sixers battled back and kept the game close till the end.

BEST OF the @celtics run that fueled their 22-point comeback win in Game 2 at home! #CUsRise #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/IbXTK2QjLT

— NBA (@NBA) May 4, 2018

With the win, the Celtics will prepare for Game 3 which will take place on Saturday at 5:00 pm in Philadelphia.