JR Smith (Photo : Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves could be the dark horse teams to sign unrestricted free agent JR Smith.
Smith, who has won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in June, remains unsigned and is arguably the best available free agent in the market.
According to Hoops Rumors, Smith has asked the Cavs for a contract that pays him roughly $15 million per year, but Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders revealed Cleveland has not been willing to go on that range, although the agreement between both parties are "not so far apart."
Was told in the $10-$12m range... but not the total deal value. https://t.co/zbw4ry6iii
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) August 31, 2016
The Cavs and J.R. Smith are not so far apart that a deal won't get reached - its ultimately how much for how long https://t.co/zbw4ry6iii — Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) August 31, 2016
Smith played an essential role in the Cavs' championship run last season, starting in 77 games, while averaging 12.4 points on 40 percent shooting from beyond the arc. While many believe Smith would still ultimately end up with the Cavs, the Pacers and Timberwolves could become alternative destinations, according to a report from 12UP.
The Pacers have made some significant moves in the offseason after signing Al Jefferson and trading for Thaddeus Young and Jeff Teague. However, the Pacers still lack reliable scorers off the bench, especially at the shooting guard position.
Adding Smith would give the Pacers a proven veteran who can embrace a role in the second unit, but still be effective on the offensive end. With plenty of talented big men in Indiana's frontcourt, injecting an outside threat would be ideal to free up some space inside the paint, allowing the likes of Jefferson and Young to operate well down low.
Likewise, the Timberwolves are also thin at the shooting guard position and may consider adding a veteran scorer to complement the team's youthful squad. Smith would also earn a role off the bench if he joins the Timberwolves, but his championship experience should be a valuable asset to a very young team.
It remains to be seen whether the Pacers and Timberwolves develop a genuine interest in adding Smith this offseason, but adding the one-time NBA champ would surely help in their respective campaigns this season.
