J.R. Smith declined his $6.4 million player option for next season, making it unclear if he’ll remain with the Cavaliers going forward.
Smith — who shot 24-of-77 from the field in six games against the Warriors — is likely looking for a new team, after Cavs GM David Griffin gave this non-committal response to his return.
J.R. Smith did not inform the Cleveland Cavaliers he planned on opting into his $6.4 million contract for next season by Thursday’s 11:59 p.m. ET deadline and thus will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 by default, according to Cavs general manager David Griffin.
“If it’s the right situation for us, yeah,” Griffin said late Thursday night when asked if the Cavs are interested in re-signing Smith. “We certainly intend to pursue those conversations.”
The Cavs’ have other pressing priorities, while Smith’s desire for a long term deal, makes it obvious that the JR show will be put on in a new city next season.