NBA News and Trade Rumors: LeBron James-Dwyane Wade Reunion via Cleveland Cavaliers in the Works; Franchise Not Interested of Re-Signing J.R. Smith?
The free agency period will end in the next few days but J.R. Smith's fate for the 2016-17 NBA season remains uncertain. Several reports surfaced that the Cleveland Cavaliers is no longer interested of getting their former shooting guard back to pave way for the LeBron James-Dwyane Wade reunion.
Is The James-Wade Reunion Possible?
Per Sportsrageous, rumors are rife that the Cavaliers will acquire Wade from the Chicago Bulls to take Smith's vacated position. Wade has a notable history of partnership with James under the Miami Heat, where they achieved back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.
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According to the report, the idea is unlikely considering that Wade is presently tied with a lucrative two-year $47.5-million deal with the Bulls. It would mean more expenses compared to re-signing Smith.
On the other hand, it is also possible that the Cavaliers will take the risk and acquire Wade in order to build a stronger roster to match the recently formed NBA super-teams. Golden State Warriors currently have the strongest All-Star lineup that includes Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green.
Not a Good Idea
Nicholas Gonzalez of Fan Sided commented that the only way for the Cavaliers to retain or improve from the last season's performance is via trade. He asserted that he is not amenable to the rumors that the franchise will acquire Wade as Smith's replacement. He explained that aside from the fact that Wade is injury prone, he is not a better shooting guard than Smith.
It can be recalled that Dan Le Batard of the Miami Herald reported in July that James and the Cavaliers are interested of recruiting Wade who was still a free agent at that time. However, Ethan Skolnick refuted reports after sources told him that James is not actively recruiting Wade.
Cavaliers Still Want to Keep Smith
According to Jamyson Frierson of Hoops Habit, Smith wants to return to the Cavaliers for the 2016-17 NBA season. However, both parties are yet to agree when it comes to money.
The Cavaliers reportedly offered a $10-million annual salary to Smith. However, the 30-year-old shooting guard wanted a deal worth $15 million per year.
Scott Davis of Business Insider believed that Smith will still return to the Cavaliers but it is still uncertain which camp would compromise to reach an agreement. He said that Smith pulled the same trick in 2015 when he opted out of a $6.4-million player option to become a free agent. The NBA star ended up re-signing with the Cavaliers after he did not generate much of an interest in the free agent market.
