The Cleveland Cavaliers eventually re-signed J.R Smith to a four-year, $57 million deal, ending the player's three-week holdout from training camp.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the $45M of Smith's new deal is guaranteed. He will earn the remainder of the $57 million (that's $12M more), if he stays on the Cavs roster after 2018-19 season.
"Smith had been reportedly seeking an annual salary of $15MM annual, while the Cavs reportedly preferred to sign him to a contract in the $10MM to $12MM range. In the end, Smith will receive an average annual salary of $14MM, per the terms Stein relayed," according to Stein via Hoops Rumors.
The 31-year old Smith averaged 12.4 points and 2.8 assists in 30 minutes per game last season. The Cavaliers heavily leaned on him as their best three-point shooter. Throughout his 12-year career, Smith shot 42 percent from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc.
In order to create a roster spot for Smith, the Cavaliers also announced the release of Toney Douglas.
-With J.R Smith finally agreeing to a four-year, $57M contract with the Cavaliers, rumors are flying that Iman Shumpert will be traded to avoid more tax penalty.
Shumpert is coming off one of the worst statistical season in his career, averaging 5/7 points on 37 percent shooting. On the other hand, the 26-year old remains the best perimeter defender on that Cavaliers roster.
Joe Vardon of Northeast Ohio Media Group believes Shumpert will continue to be an important cog for the Cavaliers in their attempt to a two=peat this season. Smith might be their best shooter, but Shumpert's ability to lock in wing players makes him indispensible.