Report: Cavaliers to bring back James Jones
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The Cleveland Cavaliers intend to re-sign veteran forward James Jones, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Joe Vardon.
"I'll be back in Cleveland for sure," Jones said.
Sources also confirmed the team's intention to bring him back.
To say this is becoming an expensive summer for the Cavaliers is an understatement. With new contracts for LeBron James and Kevin Love, the addition of Mo Williams and continuing negotiations with restricted free agents Tristan Thompson and Matthew Dellavedova, the Cavs are facing a historic luxury tax bill.
Jones, 34, would qualify for the veteran's minimum salary of $1.5 million as a 12-year NBA player. That's a cap hit of $950,000, which triggers an additional $3-million in luxury tax. That's with Thompson and Dellavedova outstanding, and Brendan Haywood's useful trade chip contract nullifying itself in less than two weeks.
CLE will have 11 guaranteed contracts (including TT). Still have JR as a UFA and Delly as RFA. Haywood guaranteed date is looming (8/1)
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 20, 2015
Then there's J.R. Smith, who regrettably opted out of $6.4 million next season. Reports are the Cavaliers want him back too, albeit on a one-year deal that would feature a significant haircut for Smith.
A role player, close friend of James, and veteran presence on the bench, Jones played in 57 games last year, averaging 4.4 points in 11.7 minutes.