J.R. Smith finally signs with Cavs

[vb9]

Sources: New Cavs deal proves J.R. Smith was crazy for opting out — crazy like a fox

J.R. Smith was widely ridiculed for opting out of the last year of his contract, which would have paid him $6.4 million to play for the Cavaliers this season. To his surprise, if not so much to others, the enigmatic (to put it kindly) swingman found his reception rather icy in the free-agent market.

On Thursday, Smith returned to the Cavs, on what has been reported as a two-year, $10 million deal, with a player option for the second year and a no-trade clause. If so, that’s really not such a bad turn of events for Smith.

Well, it was kind of obvious that his best choice would be with the Cavs again. Now that he is familiar with the team and his role on it he might even get a ring this year.

[Andrew]

Now it just remains to be seen what happens with Tristan Thompson. Supposedly he's walking if all he gets is the qualifying offer from the Cavs.

[mp3]

I am so glad he isn't the knicks problem any more, so much talent but so stupid sometimes and whoever advised him to opt out shouldn't be in his ear.

[Andrew]

Well, he's got $10 million coming to him over the next two years, as opposed to $6.4 million this year and nothing guaranteed thereafter. He's also got a no-trade clause and the ability to opt out in pursuit of more money next offseason, so he didn't end up too badly off.

[mp3]

But the cap is going up next season so 5 million is peanuts to what type of money is going to be passed out.

The smart play would of being to take 6.4 this year and work his ass off to get some of that big money next year.

[Andrew]

He can still do that though, since he can opt out. But yeah, in the meantime he did give up $1.4 million.

[NovU]

Not bad. He's done best he could after screwing up bad. I wonder if no team offered a better deal though. Despite disappointing Finals, he was pretty ok since the trade.


Now remains Thompson. He's asking too much imo. LBJ spoiled him.