Report: Cavs, J.R. Smith 'remain apart' in contract negotiations
Cleveland general manager David Griffin said last week he was confident a deal would get done
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The Cleveland Cavaliers and free agent guard J.R. Smith "have been in negotiations but remain apart on terms," according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. Smith, 30, earned praise from LeBron James and Tyronn Lue throughout last season for not only his 3-point shooting, but his improved commitment to defense.
The Cavaliers essentially have no financial flexibility, and that won't change much for the next few years. That means that, even though they added sharpshooter Mike Dunleavy, they should not let Smith go. With the Golden State Warriors adding Kevin Durant, the last thing the Cavs need is to lose depth. They have already seen Matthew Dellavedova and Timofey Mozgov sign elsewhere this summer.
After supplanting Iman Shumpert in Cleveland's starting lineup, Smith is likely looking for the biggest contract of his career. He made 40 percent of his 3s this past year, and that skill has never been more valuable. The Cavs might ask for a hometown discount, though, and it's unclear how seriously he'll look at other offers. Smith appeared on ESPN's "His and Hers" on Friday and said that he was "nervous" about the decision ahead of him.
It still seems like a return to Cleveland is the most likely scenario. Just a few days ago, Cavs general manager David Griffin said he was "very confident" that the two sides could reach an agreement. Last year, Tristan Thompson -- represented by Rich Paul, who also represents James and Smith -- did not re-sign until during the preseason. That is not to say that Smith's situation will drag on that long, but rather that if he wants to stay in Cleveland and the front office wants him back, it should get done eventually.
