J.R Smith - NBA Trade Rumors (Photo : Getty Images)
Recent rumors have emerged that NBA champion shooting guard JR Smith is on his way to being signed by the Celtics as Boston offered him a $12 million per year deal.
The 30-year-old Smith, who is still officially a free agent as he has not signed with his mother club Cleveland Cavaliers yet, expressed his desire to have an increased salary next season after being a vital cog in the Cavs' championship run.
Smith earned $5 million playing in Cleveland in 2015-2016 and $5.9 million during the previous season, when the team reached the NBA Finals both times, as a starting shooting guard. Earlier reports this summer said that he was asking for a $12 million to $15 million annual compensation moving forward.
The Cavaliers seemed to be hesitant to grant him his request, though, as the team is already over the salary cap and is set to pay another massive amount in tax, but Cavs general manager David Griffin told the media that he is "confident" both sides can agree on a deal before the new season starts this October.
However, speculations abound that the Celtics are trying to lure the 2013 NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee with a one-year, $12 million offer, which Cleveland is expected to match, according to Inquisitr.
Head coach Brad Stevens is said to be trying to improve his team's three-point shooting this summer, the only part of the game that Boston seemed to be in need during the past several years, and Smith would be the ideal solution to their outside shooting problems.
"Shooting is always going to be a priority," Stevens said after reporters recently asked him "what areas his team might target while finalizing roster construction", as per ESPN.
Smith is perhaps the best shooter remaining in the free agent market right now and so the Celtics should act quickly if they want to address one of their biggest needs entering the new season.
The report noted that acquiring Smith will not only strengthen Boston at the said position but also weaken an Easter Conference rival, the Cavs, at the same time, which means that it would be a wise move for the Celtics in the long run.
The short-term deal also favors Boston as they do not have to compromise their future cap flexibility. If things do work out with Smith next season, then they can just sign him again to a new contract next summer.
