We finally have contract numbers to understand exactly what’s going on between J.R. Smith and the Cleveland Cavaliers. On Cleveland.com, Cavs reporter Joe Vardon writes that Smith wants $15 million a year, while Cleveland has offered him $10-11 million per year.
Smith is waiting for the Cavs to come closer to $15 million, and they’re waiting for him to accept the $10-11 million. And that’s where the stalemate lives.
With the regular season just weeks away, it’s surprising that Smith, such a vital part of last year’s NBA championship team, still hasn’t been re-signed. LeBron James has been an outspoken advocate for Smith and has implored the franchise to get the deal done.
"Negotiations are always two sides but J.R. did his part," LeBron said last week. "He showed up every day. Worked his ass off every day. Became a two-way player, a model citizen in Cleveland, and he's a fan favorite, obviously we all know that. All of the sudden now he's a season ticket holder at the Indians games."
"We just miss him. We miss having him around. He's a big piece of our team and they just need to get it done."
Smith, a 12-year NBA veteran, was a bargain for the Cavs at $5 million last year. With the salary cap increasing and his impact having been clearly established, Smith is in line for a significant pay raise. The question, of course, is how significant that raise will be.
There is no deadline for this game of NBA free agency chicken, and the stalemate could continue into the regular season, though Cleveland fans would certainly prefer it to end sooner.
