Humid thoughts on the Cavs: While We’re Waiting
July 21, 2015On sluggers, arbitrary milestones, and Carlos Santana
July 21, 2015In what has been a quiet free agency for J.R. Smith, the guard said that he will meet with the Cavaliers later this week to discuss a new deal, in an interview with Joe Vardon of the Northeast Ohio Media Group.
When Smith declined his $6.4 million dollar player option for the 2015-16 season on June 26, he had the mindset that he could get more money in free agency, either from the Cavaliers or another team. Now, almost a month later, Smith is still on the free agent market and will most likely receive less money than his option would have paid him.
When asked about his gamble of declining the option possibly not working out for him, money-wise and if he regrets declining it, Smith said, “No because I’ve gotten offers that I wanted, I mean numbers that I wanted, it’s just different situations. Right now it’s just a matter of seeing what the Cavs come back to me with. Right now they give me the best opportunity to win.”
Also, the only big regret he has is the fact that he is still a free agent. When asked why he regrets his decision, Smith said, “just because I would be secure and I would already know I’m where I want to be. I wouldn’t have to go through this whole thought process anymore.”
The 29-year old also told Vardon that the Portland Trail Blazers have been in discussions with him, but that they didn’t go anywhere. From the time he declined his option (and even before then), Smith has always said that he wants to return to Cleveland.
“I definitely want to come back to Cleveland,” he said. “The coaches, the team, everything about the situation, it’s perfect for me.”
During the regular season, Smith averaged 12.7 points and shot 39 percent from three-point range during the regular season for the wine and gold. In what was a rollercoaster of a playoff run for Smith, highlighted by a two-game suspension for punching Boston Celtics guard Jae Crowder in Game 4 of the first round and shooting an abysmal 31 percent from the field in the Finals, Smith thought they he would be able to get more money in the free agent market.
Unfortunately for Smith, there aren’t many teams left in the NBA that can give him more than his player option would have given him. In fact, there are only three – the Indiana Pacers ($11.5 million), Portland Trail Blazers ($16.4 million), and Philadelphia 76ers ($16.3 milion).
Already over the salary cap, all additional contracts that the Cavaliers bring on will add to the luxury tax the owner Dan Gilbert will have to pay, which has been obvious that he does not care much about.
The Cavaliers confirmed to Vardon that they are negotiating with Smith. Along with Smith, Cleveland is expected to re-sign James Jones and are in negotiations with restricted free agent Tristan Thompson and are also considering adding Russian center Sasha Kuan, to whom they have rights.
17 Comments
I wonder if the opt-out was Smith’s idea or his agent’s. Of course, it could have been both of theirs, but if it wasn’t and one had to talk the other into it, then that probably won’t happen again.
J.R. seems like the type to ignore even good advice.
Correct me if i’m wrong, but because JR optioned out, a deal equal to what he would have earned will now actually cost the Cavs more, right? That coupled with the lack of a market for him makes me think the Cavs will lowball the guy…which isn’t necessarily unfair.
No, the numbers count the same. It’s just negotiable now.
“No because I’ve gotten offers that I wanted, I mean numbers that I wanted, it’s just different situations”
Ten to one he heard from Sacramento at some point before they gave Belinelli $19M and ran the other way, lol. The Lakers might have come calling as well. It’s understandable that he wouldn’t take that money. NOLA is a dark horse if the numbers get low enough, but they’re only dealing in cap exceptions at this point, so they probably won’t offer more than the Cavs. They’ve been eyeing KD McDaniels, but Smith would be a useful addition there and they are looking to win.
Being signed using Bird Rights, is he restricted to 7.5% raises even as a non-max player? It would be nice if they could save a little extra this year when the tax implications are so high, but even if not, starting him at $5M instead of $6.4M saves them about $8M once the tax is factored in. If they can get him at a starting salary of $4.5M they’ll save about $11M total over having him pick up that option. So I can see why the Cavs wanted to wait it out. Gilbert will pay the money, but every dollar counts exponentially so after the max guys it pays to be judicious with negotiations.
$4-$5M is what I thought he was worth which is why him opting out of $6.4M option with the Cavs just didn’t make sense. At the worst it was just one more year “in a place where he can win.” Instead he thought somehow his play had garnered a raise the problem for JR is he carries a lot of baggage with him which all but neutralized what he did on the court. Personally I feel he can be replaced. Even now there are some guys out there like Dorell Wright who I would consider. I’m not buying what Smith is selling when he says he’s gotten offers he’s wanted but we’ll see what happens.
I was a little surprised too, but there was a lot of money being thrown around this offseason. Some guys got overpaid big time. Despite his baggage I think it would be pretty tough for the Cavs to replace his production. Remember, they can only replace him with a guy who will play for the veterans’ minimum. That’s why I think ultimately both he and Delly return.
True but there will be even more money being thrown around next year I mean it will be like Lottery winnings being handed out. Right now they might only be able to replace him with a player at the veteran’s minimum but I still have faith Griffin can swing that Haywood expiring contract for something possible even a trade exception. If so that probably will be the eventual answer to improving the SG position. If that contract can’t be used for someone like Joe Johnson or Jamal Crawford.
Also we’ll see what Griffin does with Sasha Kaun. If he does indeed bring the big man back to the States to play for the Cavaliers not only will it give the Cavs tremendous front court depth but at a very very low price. Which would only leave SG/SF as a ? if JR doesn’t return. That’s when you most likely might see that trade exception used.
In short still plenty of options. I firmly believe David Griffin is working on something.
He had all these offers and nobody reported it?
Richard Jefferson? Someone make the case.
I was always under the impression that he opted out because he was expecting (wanting?) a multi-year deal with a little security, even if it was less than the 6.4. He apparently didn’t realize that no team in the NBA trusts him for more than a 1 year deal.
Trying my best to not get too excited about the idea of Sasha Kaun coming to the Cavs. That would just be ridiculous.
Looks like the Cavs just did, lol. They still need JR Smith back though.
Veteran minimum cheap adds depth a slightly and perhaps that is being generous but slightly more offensive Shawn Marion. Once James Jones resigns you now have at least two guys who can spell LBJ when needed. But as I said elsewhere I expect to see Coach Blatt use his bench much more this upcoming season. I think minutes played was a huge lesson coach learned his rookie year.
I certainly think there is a spot given how little he will have to be paid. I mean he’s another seven footer so why not? Besides that the fact that he chose to go to Las Vegas and sit next to Blatt and LBJ shows me a guy who wants to be part of this team. If Kendrick Perkins can be on the bench why not a much younger and far more economical Kaun?
Agreed. Between Mo Gotti, James Jones, JR, KLove, Kyrie, and LeBron someone is always bound to be the hot shooter. The night we can get two or three of them off at he same time–look out!
I don’t know why he opted out I’ve never read or heard anything but obviously he made the wrong decision. The only other guy who has made a worse decision is whoever told Delly to seek $4M a season. That was worse then JR’s decision to opt out by a mile.