NBA Free Agency: 8 bold predictions, headlined by LeBron’s new team

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MA – MAY 27: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on during Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 27: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics looks on during Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Marcus Smart will play ball, return to Boston

The Boston Celtics made quite the stir last summer by signing Gordon Hayward, but don’t have much money to spend this summer and will have to do some gymnastics to re-sign one of their top bench contributors, Marcus Smart.

Even though Smart could make some really decent money on the open market this summer, I believe he’s going to play ball with the Celtics and sign a one-year deal. He’s going to bet on himself, and how could you blame him for wanting to play one more season with this current Celtics team.

I’m not sure if it’s the safest of bets for Smart to not take the big money this summer, but it could pay off if he has another good season this year with the Celtics.