LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and J.R. Smith worked together to deliver Cleveland Cavaliers its first NBA title. This offseason, James and Smith hit the free agency market. However, James already re-signed with Cavs while Smith remains a free agent.
According to reports, J.R. Smith is asking for more money to re-sign with Cavs. The team is reluctant to give in and might just move on from J.R. Smith to sign another Smith, Josh Smith, the former Houston Rockets power forward.
Per Basketball Insider, Cleveland Cavaliers already offered J.R. Smith $10 million to re-sign with the team. However, Smith is asking for more and is looking for a better deal. The Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert is willing to spend more to win but the team has already gone far beyond the luxury tax territory.
If Gilbert gives in to the $15 million deal that J.R. Smith is asking for, it could cost him around $43 million because Gilbert has to pay extra $3.75 for every dollar Smith receives. Per Yibada Cav's chances of winning the NBA final this season is slim after Kevin Durant joined the super team Golden State Warriors. Thus, spending for too much to acquire Smith might not be practical at all.
Quenton Albertie suggests that Cleveland Cavaliers sign Josh Smith, instead. Josh Smith is not a center but he is a proven rim protector.
Josh Smith a.k.a J-Smoove is a nominal center who can also play in the middle. He is fast and can jump passing lanes or font bigger centers efficiently. Thus, Josh Smith will be a great addition to the Cavs who is trying to win a back-to-back title this NBA season.
Cleveland Cavaliers took a risk in acquiring J.R. Smith when no other teams in the NBA league did. Is this high time that they also take another risk and this time with Josh Smith? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
