Earlier last week we reported that Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R Smith may be opting out of his contract, now according to Shams Charania of Real GM, J.R. Smith has opted out of the last year of his contract and will enter free agency. Both the Cavaliers and Smith, however, are interested in coming to terms on a new deal that would keep Smith in Cleveland for the foreseeable future. That apparently isn’t going to stop Smith from searching for more money this off-season.
Cavs’ J.R. Smith has opted out of $6 million-plus deal for 2015-16 to become a free agent, sources tell RealGM. Mutual interest in return.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2015
Smith earlier told ESPN’s Chris Broussard he’ll “probably opt out” of his deal that was set to pay him $6.4 million in 2015-16, giving him the opportunity to sign a new multi-year deal with whomever he chooses.
JR Smith told me he’ll probably opt out of the final year, $6.4 million of his contract
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) June 17, 2015
Smith now has the option to sign with another team, but as mentioned there’s reported “mutual interest” in a return to Cleveland. Smith averaged 12.8 points on 40.3 percent shooting during Cleveland’s postseason run, which ultimately concluded in a six-game series loss to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
Smith’s teammate, three-time NBA All-Star Kevin Love, also opted out of his deal, although Cavaliers general manager David Griffin acknowledged last week he expected Love to do so.
