Report: Cavs' Smith likely to opt out of deal, Thompson to skip international play
The following video was taken after the Cleveland Cavaliers' Game 4 loss to the Golden State Warriors. It may now stand as the lasting image of J.R. Smith as a member of the Cavs.
Smith wrapped up what he had called a "horseshit" NBA Finals on Tuesday as the Cavs watched the Warriors celebrate their first title in 40 years, nearly as long a drought as the entire city of Cleveland. The high-variance gunner shot 5-of-15 on the night for 19 points, a solid outing that pushed his series average to 11.5 points and his field-goal percentage to 31.2.
It was an unsightly performance to be sure, but it wasn't enough to convince Smith to exercise his $6.4-million player option for next season. The option was a key reason the New York Knicks unloaded him for little tangible return, but a solid rebound in his perceived value thanks to a fresh start with the Cavs seemed to have increased the likelihood he'd explore the market.
While Smith said he hopes the Cavs' core will be back together, he also told ESPN's Chris Broussard that he'll "probably" opt out of his deal.
Smith, who averaged 12.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while hitting 38.3 percent of his threes in the regular season, may not earn an annual salary as high as $6.4 million as a free agent but, at age 29, could prefer to maximize his long-term earnings with a multi-year deal now.
Thompson to skip international play
Another Cavalier with an uncertain future is Tristan Thompson, who is set to enter restricted free agency with his value at its peak. Thompson is believed to have turned down a four-year, $52-million extension in October and could seek a maximum contract in free agency.
The Cavs will have the right to match any offer sheet he signs, but despite Thompson being under the same agency banner as LeBron James, the team's offseason plans at power forward aren't set in stone.
What does seem clear is that he will not play for Canada in international competition this summer, according to a report from Chris Haynes of Northeast Ohio Media Group. This is likely to insure his value against the risk of injury, and probably to recuperate after a season in which Thompson didn't miss one of the team's 102 games.
Thompson's hometown of Toronto is hosting the Pan Am games in July, and Canada will look to qualify for the 2016 Olympics at the FIBA Americas 2015 tournament in late August.
The 24-year-old Thompson had a breakout season in 2014-15 despite his regular season numbers taking a step back. He averaged a modest 8.5 points and eight rebounds but shot a robust 54.7 percent from the floor, earned a reputation as an agile and effective pick-and-roll defender, and saw his averages jump to 9.3 points and 10.7 rebounds in the playoffs, without a resultant dip in efficiency.