JR Smith hopes to re-sign with Cavs soon
The two sides are not close to reaching an agreement
JR Smith hopes to re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers soon but his asking price, around $15 million per season, is too high for the NBA champions.
Per Cleveland.com, J.R. Smith said he would sign a new contract with the Cavaliers "soon, I hope," which could in theory mean the team had all five of its starters from its 2016 championship back in the fold by the start of training camp.
In an interview with Complex.com posted Friday, Smith said the Cavs' offer was such that "we're not where we want to be at from a personal standpoint."
The next part is somewhat confusing. He said "I don't want to feel like I'm taking advantage of the Cavs for everything they've done for me, and I don't want them to feel like I'm taking advantage of them. It's more of a mutual respect thing."
The Cavs are already more than $22 million over the the NBA's $94 million salary cap. By league rules, they can go over the cap to retain Smith, but couldn't replace him with a free agent who would command a similar contract.
While neither Smith nor Paul has ever confirmed this figure, it is believed he's looking for a contract worth about $15 million annually. The two sides may not be arguing over money so much as the length of the deal -- the Cavs would likely prefer a shorter contract.
And none have LeBron James, who on Instagram said to Smith "know I can't wait to get back to work on that court with u as my backcourt mate" as James wished him a happy birthday.
E. Carchia
@Sportando
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