After the shakeout following DeAndre Jordan’s change of heart, it was thought Richard Jefferson would re-sign with Dallas, likely on another one-year deal.
But the veteran swingman wants a ring, so he has done an about-face and is headed to Cleveland, reports Marc Stein of ESPN.
Another curveball in Mavs' offseason: Hearing that vet swingman Richard Jefferson, thought to be staying in Dallas, now signing with Cavs
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 21, 2015
Looming signing of Richard Jefferson adds wing depth for Cleveland as Cavs continue to negotiate with the still-unsigned J.R. Smith
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 21, 2015
Mavs’ owner Mark Cuban was quick to say “don’t confuse this with what Jordan did.”
Mavs owner Mark Cuban tells ESPN that team was NOT blindsided by Richard Jefferson's U-turn a la DeAndre Jordan, saying RJ called him first
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 21, 2015
Also, don’t confuse this with Jordan because Jefferson will be playing for the league minimum in a limited role, he’s not a franchise changer. You can slot Jefferson and Mike Miller in the “guys who will get a few minutes when we sit LeBron” rotation.
Jefferson averaged 5.8 points a game in almost 17 minutes a night, and he did shoot 42 percent from three. He’s a respectable reserve if used in a limited role. He’s the kind of veteran LeBron likes to see on the bench.
But this does make you wonder about what is next for J.R. Smith, who was already lacking in leverage to get a deal he wants.