T-minus 11 days until the reigning NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers begin training camp for the 2016-17 campaign, and J.R. Smith - the team's fourth-leading scorer during the regular season and playoffs - remains without a contract.
The 31-year-old guard opted out of his deal in hopes of landing more money under the league's rising salary cap, but the Cavaliers have yet to budge.
"Soon, I hope," Smith told Complex's Adam Caparell during a recent golf trip when asked when he'll sign with the Cavs. "Well, obviously we're not where we want to be at from a personal standpoint. But it's more than just numbers. 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."
Smith made just $5 million last season. Having started all 21 postseason games for Cleveland with the numbers he contributed, a pay raise is certainly justifiable, especially considering some of the astronomical pay days lesser talents have received in unrestricted free agency.
Earlier in his career, Smith wouldn't have put too much time and effort into deciding where he'd like to compete. The stakes have very much changed at this stage in his life, though.
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"Financially, you can always go somewhere else. Team morale-wise, there are a few teams that I could see working," Smith said. "There are guys I would like to play with, guys I have played with. Being able to live in that city or a particular place, school systems, kids, family life - (with) free agency, everything comes into play. Before, I could just sit there and be like, 'I don't care where I go.' But now I have the kids, and it's like, 'Ok, what's the best fit?'"
Smith found himself in the exact same situation last summer, not inking a deal with the Cavaliers until Sept. 2. He emphasized to Caparell that winning is extremely important to him, and with the money he could earn in Cleveland along with him having just captured the first title of his career, it would seem like a match made in heaven.
The belief is that he's seeking an annual salary of roughly $15 million, according to Cleveland.com's Joe Vardon.
He averaged 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 30.7 minutes per game during his first full season with the organization. He also shot 41.5 percent from the field and 40 percent from behind the arc.
