Wade wants to build relationship with J.R. Smith after claiming starting spot

Dwyane Wade doesn't want any problems with J.R. Smith.

A 12-time All-Star, Wade was named the Cleveland Cavaliers' starting shooting guard after signing with them a few weeks ago, relegating Smith to the bench.

Wade doesn't have an existing relationship with the man whose spot he claimed, but looks to foster a positive one.

"My biggest thing with me and J.R. is building a relationship," Wade said Friday at shootaround, as quoted by ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "We know each other in passing as competitors, we haven't known each other as teammates. So my job is to build the best relationship and show him I know what he brings to the game, he knows what I bring to the game."

Wade, who completed a buyout from the Chicago Bulls late last month, sympathizes with Smith, who served as Cleveland's primary starting two-guard since a 2015 trade to the team and was "absolutely" frustrated about the demotion.

The 2013 Sixth Man of the Year admitted he was upset because head coach Tyronn Lue originally told him Wade would be "great for the second unit," before announcing otherwise Monday.

"I know it was tough. I understood that," Wade said. "When I got here I understood it would be tough either way it goes - if it's me or him, it's going to be tough.

"But at the end of the day, I knew when I was coming in, that I was coming here to be a part of this team and whatever choice that coach made - and it's throughout the year, it's not just now - that if we're really about winning the championship, we'll figure out a way to build with it."

Wade hopes that once Smith gets to know him and they become comfortable with each other, they can work together to help lead the Cavaliers to their fourth consecutive trip to the NBA Finals.