By WFAN.com
The restricted-free-agency game has not been kind to Nets general manager Sean Marks, but that doesn't appear to have discouraged him from playing.
The Athletic's Michael Scotto posted a photo on Twitter on Tuesday that appears to show Marks talking to restricted free agent guard Marcus Smart and his agent at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, site of the NBA Summer League. It was taken Monday night, Scotto said.
What appears to be Boston Celtics restricted free agent Marcus Smart and his agent having a conversation with Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks at the Thomas and Mack Center on Monday night. pic.twitter.com/04EaquaNxy
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto)
July 10, 2018 The Nets have yet to add a major free agent this summer, and Smart is one of the top players still available. The Sacramento Kings are also reportedly interested, and the Celtics are believed to want Smart back, but their salary-cap situation might prevent them from re-signing the 24-year-old combo guard. Boston would be able to match whatever offer Smart receives. The former Oklahoma State star told ESPN in May that he believes he is worth more than $12 million to $14 million a year.
The Boston Herald reported that Smart is "hurt and disgusted" by the lack of communication by the Celtics so far.
Smart averaged 10.2 points and 4.8 assists last season. He was limited to 54 games due to hand injuries, which included needing surgery on a torn thumb ligament.
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Smart is considered an elite defender and a strong locker room presence, but he is only a 36 percent career shooter. He has backed up Isaiah Thomas and Kyrie Irving in Boston.
Since taking over at the Nets' GM in 2016, Marks has targeted restricted free agency to help rebuild the team. But his offers over the past two years to Miami's Tyler Johnson, Portland's Allen Crabbe, Houston's Donatas Motiejunas and Washington's Otto Porter Jr. were all matched (although the Nets were eventually able to aquire Crabbe in a trade).
