If the Cleveland Cavaliers weren’t in rebuilding mode the moment LeBron James left for the Los Angeles Lakers, they are now.
One of the guys LeBron wanted in Cleveland during his time with the Cavaliers is looking to continue his NBA career elsewhere.
In a report from Joe Vardon of The Athletic, shooting guard J.R. Smith’s time in a wine and gold uniform is over.
JR Smith will no longer be actively with the Cavs, a league source tells me. He is working with the team to trade him, and in the meantime will work out on his own
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) November 20, 2018
The Cavaliers will look to trade one of the key guys from the 2016 NBA Championship season. The trade request reportedly came from Smith himself. It could be a challenge to find a team to trade with because of Smith’s contract.
If a trade can not be worked out, expect both sides to agree on a buyout of Smith’s contract making the shooter a free agent.
The decision to move on from the 33-year old shooting guard became much easier following some comments about James’ return to Cleveland Wednesday with the Lakers.
“I don’t think the goal is to win,” Smith said in an article from Jason Lloyd of ‘The Athletic. “The goal isn’t to go out there and try to get as many wins as you can. “I think the goal is to develop and lose to get lottery picks. I think that was always the plan.”
Smith is scheduled to make $14.7 million this season. He’ll also have $3.8 million of his $15.6 million salary guaranteed for the 2019-2020 season.
The Cavaliers organization released the following statement in regards to Smith.
“The organization wishes JR and his family well and appreciates and thanks him for his contributions in the community, to the team and his role in the 2016 NBA Championship.”
Smith is averaging a career-low 6.7 points and shooting just 34 percent this season. The Cavaliers are an NBA worst 2-13 on the season. Cleveland is also the only Eastern Conference team without a road victory so far this season.
Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
