NBA Buyout Rumors: J.R. Smith buyout unlikely, Cavs want to trade him in the summer
What's the rumor?
The NBA’s trade deadline passed earlier this month and the Cleveland Cavaliers were unable to find a new team for J.R. Smith. Smith has played just 11 times for the Cavs this season, and the 33-year-old has been away from the team since requesting a trade back in November.
Despite his availability throughout the trade window, teams around the NBA were unwilling to take on Smith's substantial contract, and the veteran has previously been reluctant to agree to a buyout. Due to this, The Athletic's Joe Vardon is reporting that Smith will remain in Cleveland until the summer, while also noting that the Cavs still haven't given up on the hope of a trade:
"The Cavs have no more financial flexibility to do anything this season. It means, under no uncertain terms will JR Smith be bought out of his contract. Now, you might counter that the Cavs could buy out JR Smith and get him to leave some money on the table to create some room to operate. But that’s not going to happen because the Cavs have every intention of trying to trade him in June."
In case you didn't know...
Up until this season, J.R. Smith had been a regular starter in Cleveland. Smith joined the Cavs back in 2014, and the veteran guard played an important role in the teams 2016 Championship win. Smith is currently signed to a $14,720,000 contract for the 18/19 season, with a further $3,870,000 guaranteed for the 19/20 season.
The heart of the matter
Despite being linked with both the Lakers and Rockets last year, Smith has struggled to attract any serious interest. The shooting guard's huge contract seems to be the main issue, although some teams may have also been put off by Smith's history of disciplinary issues, both on and off the court. Ultimately, with a lack of options and urgency from the Cavs to agree to a buyout, Smith looks as though he will be confined to the sidelines until at least the summer.
What's next?
The Cavs next face the New York Knicks on Thursday in a battle between the two teams at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.