It looks like #JRSmith is finally going to get his wish to leave the #ClevelandCavaliers.
The team announced today that he “will no longer be with the team as the organization works with JR and his representation regarding his future.” JR requested to be traded earlier this season, according to @AP.
He will make $14.7 million this season and a little more than a fifth of his $15.6 million salary for next season is guaranteed. For now, though, JR is without a team and he seems to be unbothered by it.
JR has voiced his dismay with his reduced role on the team as the Cavs rebuild in their first season since LeBron James left for the second time as a free agent and signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Smith’s unhappiness had created another distraction in a tumultuous season for Cleveland, which is a league-worst 2-13 and has been blown out numerous times.
If y’all remember, the Cavs fired coach Tyronn Lue last month following a 0-6 start, and the team has been riddled with injuries, the most prominent to All-Star forward Kevin Love, who remains out indefinitely following foot surgery.
JR’s departure comes a day before LeBron makes his return to Cleveland for the first time with the Lakers.
JR came to the Cavs in a trade from the New York Knicks in 2015. While his play has been inconsistent, he was a major contributor on Cleveland’s 2016 championship team. He made two 3-pointers early in the second half of Game 7 against the Warriors, helping secure the win and help the Cavs become the first team in league history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit.
With JR gone, the Cavaliers have just three players – Love, Tristan Thompson, and Channing Frye – left from their title team.
We’ll keep you posted on the latest, #Roommates!
TSR STAFF: Christina C! @cdelafresh
