The Knicks couldn't give J.R. Smith away fast enough last season, but once he arrived in Cleveland via trade along with fellow guard Iman Shumpert, Smith became an important secondary scoring option for the Cavaliers.
Smith experienced ups and downs with the Cavs-one low point being a two-game suspension for smacking Jae Crowder of the Celtics during the first round of the playoffs-but often helped carry the scoring load when Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving were out. He remains a free agent now, however, whereas most of the impact names have found a home.
Smith has indicated he'd like to start, but wouldn't demand that if Cleveland wanted him back.
"I just want to be somewhere I can make a difference. I don't want to be somewhere I can't have an effect on the team," Smith said.
"I would love to be a starter, but it depends on the situation and what team I'm on. Cleveland is in a situation where they don't really need me to start. I can come off the bench and bring the energy and stuff like that. I definitely want to come back to Cleveland. The coaches, the team, everything about the situation, it's perfect for me."
Smith started 45 games for Cleveland, averaging 12.7 points and shooting 39 percent from the 3-point line, both increases from his time with the Knicks. In the playoffs his scoring remained the same, while his percentages dropped. In the Finals he was not of much help, hitting only 29 percent of his treys.
Aside from a reunion with Cleveland at less than he would have received by exercising a player option that would lock him in at $6.4 million, the only notable suitor expressing much interest is the Philadelphia 76ers.
Sixers expressed interest in free agent guard JR Smith, but that's dwindled. Cavs want to re-sign Smith, letting market determine his value.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) August 4, 2015
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