Smart, Celtics shake on $52 million deal

Restricted free agent guard Marcus Smart agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract with the Boston Celtics, ending a contentious month between the two sides. Smart was reportedly frustrated by the lack of contact from the Celtics, who were reportedly involved in talks to acquire Spurs All-Star Kawhi Leonard before he was shipped to Toronto on Wednesday. Smart, 24, just completed his fourth season with the franchise and said he preferred to stay with the Celtics, who drafted him sixth overall in 2014. He also is fond of coach Brad Stevens and president Danny Ainge. After the Celtics were ousted from the playoffs, Smart said he was worth in excess of $12-14 million a season. Boston already has three players signed to megadeals in Al Horford, Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. With the team limited in what it can do in free agency, Ainge said last week that Smart was the team's key focus. "Our priority remains the same," said Ainge. "Our priority is still Marcus in free agency, and that's where we are." Smart has averaged 9.4 points and 3.9 assists in 261 games (83 starts) over four seasons. Shooting has been an issue as he has hit just 36.0 percent of his field-goal attempts with his high mark being 36.7. --Field Level Media