The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to sign unrestricted free agent shooting guard J.R. Smith to a contract worth $57 million over four years. The deal is guaranteed for three years and $45 million, with a limited period of time where the Cavaliers can buyout Smith prior to the fourth year.
ESPN sources say a hard push from Sixers GM Bryan Colangelo for J.R. Smith helped sparked Friday’s talks with the Cavs to get a deal done
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) October 15, 2016
Sources say J.R. Smith’s new Cavs deal is fully guaranteed for $45 million over the first three seasons no matter what happens in Year 4
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) October 15, 2016
Important note on JR Smith: Fourth year of his $57M deal becomes fully guaranteed unless the Cavs waive him shortly after the 2018-19 season
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) October 15, 2016
J.R. Smith Signs Four-Year Contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers
Smith’s contract will take him through the end of the 2019-20 season.
Smith averaged 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game last season for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Smith’s numbers have been consistent over the last two seasons, with his assists average the only stat to drop. Smith was a part of Cleveland’s championship winning team this season, the city’s first championship in 52 years. Smith played a big role, starting in all 77 regular season games in which he played. Smith also played in 21 playoff games for Cleveland this post season, starting every game and averaging 11.5 points and 34.8 minutes on the court. Smith proved he can step up and play important minutes on the biggest stage of all.
Looking forward, Smith provides veteran leadership and the ability to score from not only beyond the arc, but also driving to the basket. Smith is good enough to be the starting shooting guard in Cleveland. Smith is maturing every year he plays in the NBA. He plays smarter and makes better decisions on the court every season, a trait the Cavaliers will find invaluable down the stretch as Cleveland looks to repeat as Champions in the 2016-17 season.
Smith is heading into his 12th season in the league, during which he’ll be 31 years old. Smith has played for four NBA teams. He has spent time on the New Orleans Hornets, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, and most recently the Cavs. Smith was drafted 18th overall by New Orleans in 2004.
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