NBA Rumors: Lakers Move Ruled Out For Free Agent Shooting Guard

The Cleveland Cavaliers and J.R. Smith have finally parted ways after the franchise waved the shooting guard after failing to find a trade deal. The player had agreed to extend his guarantee date from June 30 to July 15 but was unable to find any takers, which forced the Cavaliers to waive him before the $15.6 million salary became fully guaranteed for next season.

Once Smith clears the waivers, he will become a free agent and can sign with any team of his choosing but it remains to be seen if there are any teams willing to sign the veteran shooting guard. He has not played since November last year after having stepped away from the team in the hope of being released or traded.

The Cavaliers’ decision to waive him will now see them open salary-cap space and drop below the luxury tax threshold for the upcoming campaign. Smith is keen to continue playing but admitted that he will not be upset if no teams make a move, as it will give him more time with his family.

“I live a good life,” Smith said, as quoted on NBA.com. “There’s no reason for me to be stressed or be dissatisfied. I’ve got four amazing kids. I went through one of the toughest parts of my life with my (premature) daughter. This is easy. This is a cakewalk. Just stay in shape and stay ready to play basketball when I’m called. If I’m not called, I still get to be home with my family.”

The Los Angeles Lakers were linked with a move for the three-point specialist but ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that a potential reunion with former teammate LeBron James in Los Angeles is off the cards. Smith is a proven shooter and can provide anytime with value from the bench, but he has not been as prolific in the last couple of seasons.

Smith sits in 13th place for all-time career three-pointers made, but since the 2016-17 season compared to 115 players with as many three-pointers made, he sits in 66th place in three-point percentage. But his experience in the regular and postseason could see a team give the shooting guard an opportunity in the upcoming campaign.