Just like how he finds taking uncontested jumpers boring, Cavs guard JR Smith apparently finds picking up options to be similarly dull.
According to a report by Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com on Wednesday, Smith will decline his player option for next season and become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The 30-year-old Smith, who averaged 14.6 points per game, 3.3 rebounds per game, and 2.0 assists per game for the Cavs this season, rebuilt his reputation in Cleveland from rogue gunner to stellar spot-up shooter and complementary creator, one who can operate off the ball and actually gives a damn on defense.
Smith’s option for 2016-17 was worth just $5.4 million, so it’s safe to say he has played his way into a bigger paycheck than that, especially with the NBA’s salary cap about to soar into the sun.
While playing with LeBron James has a tendency to inflate an individual player’s value, Smith has been an integral piece for the Cavs in back-to-back NBA Finals runs now, so he has definitely earned his keep, whether that be in Cleveland or elsewhere next season.
H/T Rotoworld
