How much are Boston Celtics Marcus Smart, Robert Williams worth in contract extension talks? – masslive.com

Welcome to a new job, Brad Stevens. Now negotiate how much Robert Williams III is potentially worth.

Thats at least one of Stevens many duties in the coming weeks and months as he shapes the Celtics roster to a contender. Its all about shaping the Cs to success around Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

Williams, who was drafted in 2018, can sign an extension starting this offseason. Thats another challenge for Stevens. Williams holds seemingly all the potential in the world as Bostons center of the future, but his injury-prone career muddies up how much he can make an impact.

Of course, Williams isnt the only player whos looking for an extension. Marcus Smart is in a similar spot, entering the final year on his contract and searching for some long-term stability with the only franchise hes ever known.

Both players hold intriguing value, both on-court and in trade talks. Smarts an expiring contract while also being a valuable role player; that makes him a target from potentially interested executives.

Heres a look at Smart and Williams, along with how much they could be worth.

Marcus Smart

2021-22 salary: $14.3 million. Final year of a four-year, $52 million contract. Averaged a career-best 13.1 points and 5.7 assists per game last season.

One of the fortunate parts of Smarts future in Boston comes from Stevens promotion. Stevens is a big Smart advocate and sees his value beyond the on-court production, whether that be as a playmaker or defender. Newly-hired Celtics coach Ime Udoka appears to be in the same spot, adding Smart as one of the pillars of the team.

The Celtics are in a tricky spot with their salary cap. Overspending on Smart can hamstring their finances, just when they cleared it up with the Kemba Walker trade. Much of that future is dependent on if the Celtics re-sign Evan Fournier this summer, too. Bostons also looking to stay away from the repeater tax in the future.

Smarts likely looking for a modest raise while solidifying his near-future in Boston. Hes a bargain at his current salary, and a few more million on top should still mean a nice fit on the roster from a financial standpoint. If Smart creeps north of $19 million or so, then it could get costly.

But a slight overpay might still be worth it for the Celtics to retain Smart, their emotional leader. His tough, defensive-minded play should mesh well with Udoka, who earned his chops in the league with a similar style.

Smarts playmaking also becomes more valuable as the Celtics still search for some scoring and a point guard. He led Boston in assists last season and is a solid secondary playmaker, who can even slide in as the primary point guard. While the offseason is young and the Celtics do have some options Smart has some leverage there.

Robert Williams III

2021-22 salary: $3.6 million. Final year of a four-year, $9.3 million rookie contract. Averaged a career-best 8.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game last season.

Williams had easily the best year of his young pro life, playing a career-high 52 games last season despite the shortened schedule. Of course, he was still hampered by injuries which is the main knock on him. He set a franchise-playoff record with nine blocks in Game 1 against the Nets in the playoffs, then couldnt make an impact the rest of the series because of injury.

The Celtics were cautious with Williams all season, limiting minutes despite fans clamoring for more of the 23-year-old big man. Williams showcased some impressive playmaking ability as a passing big, which coupled well with his athleticism as he soared for high-flying lobs.

So whats the best route and salary for Williams? When hes on the court, hes a difference-maker who fits well with Tatum and Browns timelines. But it doesnt seem like Williams can consistently play a full, 82-game season throughout his career. The Celtics are most likely going to be cautious once again, limiting his playing time as he rarely goes above the 25-minute mark.

Williams is worth more than a $10 million salary pending his health. Thats what murks up all of the uncertainty. Theres also the chance both sides agree to a long-term deal thats not worth much, but secures the financial future for Williams.

Its a risk for the Celtics, but if Williams pans out then hell be on a bargain. Its a similar principle to when Boston recently gave Brown his contract, which looks like a steal as Brown ascended to his All-Star self last season. There are differing factors with Williams, but the risk could be worth it for the Celtics as they need at least a few breaks to get back into championship form.

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How much are Boston Celtics Marcus Smart, Robert Williams worth in contract extension talks? - masslive.com