J.R. Smith has been a valuable addition to the Cleveland Cavaliers since they acquired the veteran shooting guard from the New York Knicks via trade last season.
Keeping him beyond this season might be a bit difficult, though.
Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com reported Wednesday, citing sources, that Smith won’t exercise his player option for 2016-17 and will opt out of his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent when the free-agent market opens in July.
Smith won’t be the only player opting out of his contract with the hopes of getting a raise this summer. DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors reportedly will opt out, as well.
Teams will be flush with salary cap space this summer because of the NBA’s new television deal, and players who shoot well from beyond the arc, such as Smith, should be in high demand, especially with how the game is played today.
Smith’s focus right now remains the NBA Finals. The Cavaliers trail the defending champion Golden State Warriors 3-2 in the series, and Game 6 is set for Thursday night in Cleveland.
Thumbnail photo via  David Richard/USA TODAY Sports Images
