The current NBA champion, Cleveland Cavaliers is busy in upgrading their roster. However, in the process, they are losing one of the players that helped deliver its first NBA title. According to reports, J.R. Smith and Cavs are parting ways as the team's former shooting guard head to join Minnesota Timberwolves.
J.R. Smith and LeBron James hit the free agency together this offseason. Parent Herald previously reported that both are the top players for free agency. Eventually, James re-signed with Cavs in a $100 million deal. Meanwhile, Smith remains in the free agency market because Cleveland is hesitant to give in to his $15 million pay hike demand after only offering a $10 million deal.
Since then, NBA trade rumors have it that Cleveland Cavaliers is betting for other players instead of signing J.R. Smith. There are rumors that Cavs is planning to trade for Dwyane Wade, which opens the door for a potential Wade and LeBron James reunion.
In a separate report, there are rumors that giving in to J.R. Smith $15 million deal could be too costly for Cavs. The team has already gone far beyond the luxury tax territory and Cleveland Cavaliers will be paying extra $3.75 for every dollar Smith received, so the $15 million deal could balloon to $43 million.
Some sources advised that the team sign Josh Smith instead and moved on from J.R. Smith. Josh Smith is not a center but is a proven rim protector. If Cavs is considering Josh Smith, J.R. Smith is now linked to Minnesota Timberwolves.
According to SB Nation, if Cleveland Cavaliers could not accommodate J.R. Smith's request, a number of teams in the NBA league could. For instant, Minnesota Timberwolves has $25.5 million cap space, which is way beyond Smith's request.
Aside from Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, OKC Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz are all equipped to acquire J.R. Smith. Where do you think will Smith join?
Is J.R. Smith joining the pack of Timberwolves this NBA season? If not, in what team is Smith probably signing? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
