It's official: Marcus Smart isn't going anywhere.
The Boston Celtics formally announced the veteran guard's four-year, $77 million contract extension on Saturday. President of basketball operations Brad Stevens, who was Smart's head coach for the last seven seasons, issued a statement on the longest-tenured Celtic staying in Boston.
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“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to extend Marcus, and thankful that he has chosen to remain a Celtic,” Stevens said. “In his seven years in Boston, he has made a big impact, on and off the court. It is not a coincidence that every team he’s played on has been in the playoffs, with several series wins throughout the years. He adds to winning on both ends of the floor, and competes with a grit and toughness that few match.”
The Celtics' announcement also featured a statement from Smart himself.
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather play and no other fans I’d rather play in front of. I love Boston, and Boston loves me,” he said. “We’ve had some great moments and success in my time here, but there’s more to accomplish. I’m ready to put that Celtics jersey back on and get to work out on the Parquet with my teammates.”
Smart presumably will start at point guard for the Celtics in 2021-22. The C's also signed Dennis Schroder to a one-year deal and traded for Kris Dunn to bolster their point guard depth. Payton Pritchard and Carsen Edwards remain in the mix as well.
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In 48 games last season, Smart averaged 13.1 points and 5.7 assists while shooting 39.8 percent from the floor.