J.R. Smith did a fantastic job getting the PhunkeeDuck scooter company some free publicity during the NBA Finals, but that was about the extent of things he did well. He didn’t exactly endear himself to Cavaliers fans with his performance.
The question now is will he be back next season in Cleveland?
Wednesday Smith made the expected official and opted out of his contract for next season with the Cavaliers, as reported by Shams Charania of Real GM.
Cavs' J.R. Smith has opted out of $6 million-plus deal for 2015-16 to become a free agent, sources tell RealGM. Mutual interest in return.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2015
Smith was traded to the Cavaliers from the Knicks at the trade deadline, and it was he, Iman Shumpert and Timofey Mozgov that helped turn the Cavaliers’ season around. Smith provided a spark off the bench and some depth that the Cavaliers had lacked. Sure, he was inconsistent and described his play in the Finals as “horses---" but that’s what you get with Smith, he is the walking definition of the hot hand theory.
The Cavaliers may want him back but at what price?
My guess is it’s a million or so below the $6.4 he was to make last year, but for three years or so. That would give the Cavaliers some depth at a fair price and Smith some stability.
The question is will another GM, after missing out on a target, come in over the top with a larger offer?