NBA Trade Rumors for 2016-17 Season: T-Wolves Might Want 'J. Swish'; Will Cavs Keep J.R. Smith?
The veteran shooter may be asking for too much to stay.
NBA veteran J.R. Smith had undoubtedly found home in the Cleveland Cavaliers organization. After shuffling teams throughout his career, from New Orleans to Denver to New York, Smith found a huge role in the Cavs' LeBron James-centered rebuilding process.
Smith's impressive showing from beyond the arc helped the Wine & Gold win their first championship in the NBA. Given this, the 30-year-old shooting guard is reportedly starting to demand more compensation for what he had done for the team.
However, the Cavaliers are over the luxury tax line and are still looking for a bigman to back Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love. This means the Cavs would have to decide what to do with Smith soon—especially with a rising Minnesota team trying to peak his interest.
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Veteran guile
The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the youngest squads in the league, but these youngsters are projected to break out next season. Reigning Rookie of the Year Karl-Anthony Towns, his predecessor Andrew Wiggins, Slam Dunk champion Zach LaVine and pure point guard Ricky Rubio comprise one of the most competitive cores in the NBA today.
However, the Wolves are casualty from beyond the arc. While KAT has the potential to stretch the floor, LaVine was their only guy who averaged more than one three-pointer per game.
Enter Smith, who shot 40 percent from three-point range during the regular season and 43 percent in the playoffs. He also broke the Cavaliers' record for most threes made in a single season.
The hole in Smith's game is he only excels beyond the three point line. While he scored 12.4 points per game, he was not a reliable defender during the regular season. The version Minnesota would need from Smith is the guy who mercilessly pestered Kyle Korver and Klay Thompson in the playoffs, grounding the best perimeter shooters in the league.
Worth the price?
Still, even for a serviceable 3&D wing, his asking price of $15 million might be too much for Cleveland. He had been consistent last year, but Smith had been an unpredictable, hot-headed player in seasons past. Jordan McRae had been making a statement in the offseason, and will likely diminish the shooter's minutes come tipoff.
Needless to say, if Smith wants to stay in Ohio, he must be willing to accept either a paycut or a smaller role. It is not the best scenario, but if the Cavs can ensure another title run, Smith might not resist an opportunity for back to back rings.
As for the Timberwolves, they are still looking for sharpshooting options to back up Wiggins and Shabazz Muhammad. They still have $25.5 million in free cap space, and Rasual Butler and Dorrell Wright are both rumored to be on the team's list.
