J.R. Smith is one of the only notable names remaining on the NBA free agent list, and the belief is that he will eventually re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers. While that could ultimately be what happens, the two sides don’t seem particularly close to an agreement.
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reports that the Cavs offered have Smith a multiyear deal worth roughly $10 million per season. Smith is supposedly looking for more money, but Kyler was told the veteran swingman’s camp is “not overly concerned about reaching a deal” and the sense from league executives is that Smith isn’t going anywhere.
A previous report indicated Smith is seeking $15 million per year. That may sound like a high number, but it is close to the going rate for someone with Smith’s skill set and experience. Consider that Jeremy Lin, who also may be a role player at this point, got $13 million per year over three years with the Brooklyn Nets.
Smith likes playing in Cleveland and — perhaps more importantly — LeBron James enjoys having him around. J.R. probably has no interest in starting fresh somewhere, and he isn’t concerned about money if this champagne celebration was any indication. Even if he waits until closer to training camp, it seems unlikely that Smith will leave the Cavs.
