The Cleveland Cavaliers are working hard to bring J.R. Smith back to Northeast Ohio.
General manager David Griffin publicized the Cavaliers' wishes to re-sign Smith during the team's media day, stating that the free-agent shooting guard has already received a generous contract offer from Cleveland.
"We think very highly of J.R., we love him as a member of our team," Griffin told reporters Monday. "As a member of our locker room, he was essential to our success. And for that reason we've made an incredibly competitive and aggressive offer to re-sign him. We hope that gets it done in very short order."
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Smith already missed the Cavaliers' minicamp last week, with the two sides reportedly still far apart on a new deal.
While Cleveland would love to have Smith on their roster, Griffin says the Cavaliers will continue to move forward without him should Smith choose to balk at their latest offer.
"At the same time, we've been a team that has really become accustomed to a 'next man up' mentality and we expect this will be no different, not at all something that's going to be used as an excuse here in any way, shape, or form. But we truly believe J.R. feels the same way about us and, as I said, we hope this is done in very short order."
Smith averaged 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists for Cleveland last season, playing a key role in the Cavaliers' championship run.
