NBA 2016-17 Season News and Player Updates: Why J.R. Smith Has Not Re-Signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers Yet? LeBron James Wants Shooting Guard Back for Next Season
The training camp for the 2016-17 NBA season will be kicking off soon but J.R. Smith remains untouched in the free agent market. Cleveland Cavaliers fans are already wondering why the 30-year-old starting shooting guard is puzzlingly taking a long time to re-sign with the franchise.
Why Hasn't J.R. Smith Re-Signed Yet?
Several speculations have surfaced regarding Smith's free agent status, but according to 247 Sports, the NBA star has made it clear that he intends to stay with the Cavaliers. Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler said that Smith is only looking at his former team for the 2016-17 NBA season. however, they have not reached a deal yet.
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Kyler reported in July that Smith is seeking a huge deal of $15 million per year on his contract with the Cavaliers, but the franchise has only offered a multiyear contract that pays $10 million annually.
Per King James Gospel, Smith's demand of a bigger salary makes sense. Given the fact that all members of the starting lineup of the Cavaliers are enjoying at least $15 million annually. If the franchise would grant the shooting guard's request, his earnings per season would be on-par with center Tristan Thompson's $15.3 million.
The King Wants The Shooting Guard Back
Aside from being a fan-favorite on and off the court, Smith who got married last week, made a major contribution to the Cavaliers' first championship trophy last season. Even his teammate LeBron James has been very vocal about wanting the starting shooting guard back.
James, bound to be the league's highest-paid player in the next season with $31 million per year, posted a video last week prior to his contract signing with the Cavaliers. In the clip, the NBA Finals MVP joined the public pressure to the franchise's front office by saying that he wants Smith's deal "done."
The Cavaliers Minus Smith
Jamyson Frierson of Hoops Habit commented commented that granting Smith's $15-million demand would be a huge inconvenience to the Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, and they might just decide to let him go if he will not agree to their $10-million initial offer. Frierson explained that after agreeing to James' $31-million salary, Smith's contract would add up to the luxury tax that Gilbert has to pay.
Frierson said there are other teams who are willing to offer Smith a lucrative contract and if the Cavaliers will opt to let him go, Iman Shumpert could fill the starting shooting guard role. He opined that Shumpert is a capable defensive standout with talents that could be honed by the team.
