J.R. Smith opted out of his contract earlier this offseason that would have paid him $6.4 million. Smith is still a free agent and is reportedly heading to meet with the Cleveland Cavaliers to discuss a potential contract. The Cavaliers reportedly were not very happy when Smith opted out, but after many failed attempts to get a replacement at shooting guard they are back to negotiating with Smith, according to Cleveland.com.
Smith was asked if he regretted his decision to opt out of his contract and he reportedly responded with an answer of "yes and no." He is apparently conflicted because he knows that Cleveland is the best place for him to be if he wants to win, but they also likely can't pay him as much as other teams can.
"I definitely want to come back to Cleveland, the coaches, the team, everything about the situation, it's perfect for me," said Smith.
Smith knows that Cleveland wants him back, as LeBron James has repeatedly said so. The problem is the money situation. Cleveland is already over the luxury tax, so whatever money they give Smith will hurt them.
The reason Smith opted out in the first place was because he thought he could get a multi-year deal worth more than $6.4 million a season. The Cavaliers cannot offer him that. There are actually only two teams in the whole league right now that would be able to give him a raise, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Portland Trail Blazers, both of which are likely not going to be playoff contenders.
Smith reportedly had some talks with the Blazers about a potential contract but they didn't go anywhere. The reason Smith doesn't regret opting out is because he said he was happy with some of the offers he received, but the situation may not have been right.
"...I've gotten offers that I wanted, I mean numbers that I wanted, it's just different situations, right now it's just a matter of seeing what the Cavs come back to me with. Right now they give me the best opportunity to win," Smith said, about not regretting to opt out.
Based on Smith's comments he clearly wants to be back in Cleveland, but he also doesn't want to be given a low-ball contract offer. It appears that if the Cavaliers don't give Smith an offer to his liking he is willing to move on and take more money to be with a non-playoff team, but his preference is to be a Cavalier next season.
