JR Smith is still unsigned as the Cleveland Cavaliers near training camp. The veteran forward and his camp have yet to come to terms with the team though it is expected to be done soon.
JR Smith opted out of his $5.3 million contract in a move to get a considerable pay raise. Smith is reportedly seeking a $15 million deal which many feels is just about right for a player his caliber.
But the problem is that the Cavs are already having their share of issues tied up the luxury tax. That said, it is one of the obstacles mentioned as to why team management is trying to reason with Smith and agent Rich Paul.
Playing Hard Ball
Thanks to Rich Paul, the likelihood of JR Smith getting his $15 million deal is not impossible. He was able to pull it off last year with Tristan Thompson, something that went as far as late October 2015. Smith is likely to follow the same route.
Despite the holdup, Smith has not entertained playing for other teams. He admits that it could be possible but Smith is obviously leaning more on sticking it out with the Cavs and his buddies, Complex reported.
JR Smith proved to everyone what he could do last season. He raised his production and was instrumental in the Cavs campaign last season. Also, LeBron James batted for his signing when the all-star guard signed his own pact.
That message alone should be an indication that Smith is imminently signing up though the Cavs still have to figure out how to squeeze him into the team budget.
While Dan Gilbert and company work on that, Smith and Paul are obviously going to wait. It may take more time but the belief of many is that JR Smith will still suit up for the Cavs this 2016-17 NBA season.