- Report: Cavs received calls for Andre Drummond and JaVale McGee in aftermath of Jarrett Allen trade
- Report: Eastern conference executive says Andre Drummond ‘definitely out of Cleveland’
- Former NBA executive discloses how much Cavs would likely pay Jarrett Allen in long-term deal
- Andre Drummond has hilarious reaction to finding out Cavs traded for another center in Jarrett Allen
- Report: Cavs waive 2 players in aftermath of blockbuster James Harden trade
- Report: Cavs acquire Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince in blockbuster James Harden deal
- Report: Cavs helping Kevin Porter Jr. ‘get his life together before putting him on the court’
- Report: Cavs reveal MRI results of Collin Sexton’s latest injury
- Report: Cavs considered adding Jeremy Lin before signing Yogi Ferrell
- Kevin Porter Jr. highlights relationship with Carmelo Anthony as he remains away from Cavs
An Update on J.R. Smith and When He’s Expected to Sign a Deal With the Cavs
- Updated: September 11, 2016

The continuing concern by Cleveland Cavaliers fans over whether shooting guard J.R. Smith will re-sign with the team grows as the September 27 opening of the team’s training camp draws closer. In reality, that concern may be overblown, given the lack of potential competitors for Smith’s services.
That’s the belief of ESPN writer Brian Windhorst, who spoke with Tim Bontemps of The Washington Post on a recent podcast. Given the lack of counter-offers from other teams, the Cavaliers haven’t attempted to improve their offer, which has extended the standoff. Smith continues to remain firm in his reported request of between $13-14 million a year, though Windhorst believes that an agreement will eventually be forged.
“I feel like he will sign before the regular season – I’m not sure about training camp,” Windhorst said. “His agents don’t have a problem holding people out.
“The Cavs want him back, he wants to go back to the Cavs. There’s nobody bidding for him and therefore, the Cavs don’t feel like they have to increase whatever offer they’ve made, and J.R. has sat and watched a whole bunch of guys who he thinks he’s equal to or better than get paid huge money this year. I don’t know if the holdup is total years, I don’t know if the holdup is total compensation.”
Inevitably, Smith is expected to come to an agreement with Cleveland, primarily due to the close relationship he has with LeBron James. Having made his feelings on the negotiations publicly known, James and his pull within the organization should be enough to assist in eventually hammering out a deal.
Even if the Cavaliers eventually relent on the contract, their luxury tax bill is still likely to be approximately $20 million less than the $54 million they were assessed last season.
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