The Cleveland Cavaliers, just like last year, has left another major free agent hanging.
Last year, it was Tristan Thompson and this time, it's JR Smith. There are too many similarities here. Both Thompson and Smith are clients of Rich Paul, LeBron's agent and business partner. The dispute is also about a few million dollars.
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the Cavs front office has already placed an offer on the table.
"League sources said that Smith and his camp were not overly concerned about reaching a deal, with a belief that the Cavs have put a multi-year offer in the $10 million per year neighborhood on the table weeks ago."
Kyler also reported that Smith was looking at the $15 million range, which is now reasonable for a starting shooting guard considering the deals that went flying this offseason. Thus, the reason for the hold-up is merely about "leverage" and reaching that amount-or something closer like what Thompson got last year.
Smith's camp got what he wanted. There was already pressure for the Cavaliers' ownership to keep the roster together since they won the championship. Now, LeBron James has revved up the pressure cooker with his very specific marching orders to "get JR Smith back" and even gave the admonition that "it's time" as mentioned in this previous report.
But there are other reasons why the Cavs are not getting it done yet. As Kyler aso reported, "Cavaliers sources also point out that once Smith and teammate LeBron James sign, the team will be locked into luxury tax status - which would make trades or roster moves slightly more difficult."
The Cavs may choose to make a trade or another signing which they can't execute if James and Smith are already signed. But there seems to be no question on whether Smith will stay with the Cavaliers.
This episode, as the Thompson from last year shows, that James can really run the Cavaliers' organization. His commitment to a three-year deal instead of a "one-plus-one" deal is a service to the team but now he also wants his buddy/client to get his perks.