JR Smith and the Cleveland Cavaliers could part ways before the season starts, with both parties remain in a stalemate.
Smith remains without a team just a few weeks before the 2016-2017 regular season begins. According to Cleveland.com's Joe Vardon, Smith is looking for a contract worth $15 annually, but the Cavs have only offered him $10-11 million per year.
Smith played an essential role in the Cavs' championship run in the past two seasons. The 31-year-old shooting guard averaged 12.4 points per game for the Cavs last season, while shooting 41.5 percent from the field, including 40 percent from downtown.
Although it seems imminent Smith re-signs with the Cavs, it may not be reasonable for Cleveland's side to give Smith a lucrative amount, considering his age and inconsistency. But there are certainly other teams that are willing to offer Smith a more lucrative deal and take a risk at the 12-year veteran.
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn lost the chance to add some backcourt depth in free agency when the Miami Heat and Portland Trailblazers matched the Nets' offers to Tyler Johnson and Allen Crabbe. This could be the Nets' chance to sign a talented shooting guard whom the team could pair with Jeremy Lin.
Smith would give the Nets another outside threat, and someone who could fit playing a fast-paced offense. The Nets already have a list of shooting guards in their roster, but Smith would be the top option at the said position if Brooklyn decides to bring him in.
It is unclear whether the Nets would develop interests in signing Smith, but Brooklyn is in the perfect position to offer Smith the $15 million annually he is looking for, with the team still well under the maximum cap space.
Memphis Grizzlies
Ever since making a splashy move in free agency that secured Mike Conley and Chandler Parsons to multi-million contracts, the Grizzlies have gone under the radar heading into the regular season. But even with a healthy and revamped lineup, Memphis may still need to add another veteran talent to their roster to become legit title contenders in the league.
Smith would help stretch the floor for the Grizzlies and add more shooting to the team's backcourt, although he would more valued as veteran who could bring a championship experience in Memphis' core roster.
However, the Grizzlies are already well over the cap limit and may have to facilitate a trade to make room for Smith's contract demand. Trading Vince Carter and Tony Allen should make up some room for Smith, although it is unlikely the Grizzlies would move both players.
Boston Celtics
It is no secret that the Celtics are still looking to further improve their already-promising roster to solidify their chances of competing for a title, and this could be the right timing for Boston to do such move. According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, the Celtics are among the teams reportedly interested in signing Smith.
Smith would probably relegated to backup role on the Celtics, but the former Sixth Man of the Year would be a tremendous boost for Boston's second unit. Smith would give Boston another scoring option off the bench, and his ability to shoot the ball from outside would be valuable for the Celtics in maximizing Al Horford's inside game.
But as Isola noted, the Celtics would have to get creative if they really wish to bring in Smith to Bean Town.
"Barring a trade to clear cap space, the Celtics have approximately $9 million to sign Smith. He's looking for a bigger payday, somewhere in the $15 million per season range. The Cavs are currently offering between $10 and $11 million annually. The Celtics would have to get close to $15 million for Smith to want to leave Cleveland to be a back-up to Avery Bradley," Isola wrote.
Many still believe Smith would end up staying in Cleveland, but at the right price, the Celtics could steal Smith from the defending champs.
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