Why The Cleveland Cavs Would Part Ways With J.R. Smith

This week’s mailbag looks at J.R. Smith’s future with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the hyperventilation of Kevin Love opting out of his contract, and the growing sense that nobody cares Major League Baseball is being played on the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.

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How could the Cavs let J.R. Smith walk as a free agent?

Cal Berk–Avon, Ohio

• Hey Cal, If Smith would’ve opted into his contract for about $6 million last season, the Cavs would’ve loved to have the shooter back.

But not surprisingly, Smith is trying to cash in off a strong second-half of the season, and a good playoff run (except for the Finals).

The issue that could leave to Smith’s departure is length of contract. Smith is entering his 12th NBA season, and is probably looking for security. If I were the Cavs, I’d think twice about giving big money and a long-term contract to a guy on the edge as much as Smith.

Remember, he was one more technical foul away from being suspended during the Finals. At such a critical juncture, you want a guy who can keep his head in the game. Take that, on top of Smith’s championship series shooting woes, and it’s not that far a stretch to believe the Cavs should look elsewhere for a shooter.

Remember, GM David Griffin must move Brendan Haywood‘s contract before the beginning of August. Despite a future payroll that will rival some country’s GDP, the Cavs still have a way to being a shooter on board.

Say it ain’t so Kevin Love…we thought he was staying?

Jun 7, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers injured player Kevin Love walks to the locker room before game two of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Renee Stuart–Fairview Park, Ohio

• Hey Renee, the Cavs could’ve went 82-0, won the Finals and Love could’ve played in every game and hit game-winning shots in every Finals contest…he’d still have opted out.

By signing a one-year deal with a player option, Love can cash in next summer, when the NBA salary cap explodes by 30 percent. Additionally, a one-year deal with a one-year player option gets Love a raise for this season. He gets a raise for doing paperwork. Who wouldn’t take advantage of that decision?

I will say this regarding Love. The Cavs have to be less than 100 percent sure Love wants to return to Cleveland. If the three-time All-Star’s return was a slam dunk, I think the Cavs would’ve traded Brendan Haywood’s contract prior to the draft.

The reasoning behind this mindset is that the Cavs may still have to use Haywood to bring in a replacement should Love depart.

Why’s it so hard to get into the Indians this season?

Chris Glenn–Columbus, Ohio

• Hey Chris, I could argue the Cavs had something to do with it–and that’s probably true for some people who got lost in the Finals hysteria, but I’m a baseball first guy, and it’s been incredibly hard to get on board with this team.

Some reasons there may be apathy toward the Tribe: 15-23 at home; not even July 1 and the team is already 10 games out of first place; are in FOURTH place; The Wahoo’s are the whipping boys of the Detroit Tigers–a team with their own struggles right now. Since 2013, the Tribe is 6-20 AT HOME against the Tigers since the 2013 season; Reigning Cy Young winner Corey Kluber gets no run support.

Could probably go on and on, but you’re already probably Googling when Browns training camp starts. FYI, dates haven’t been released, but the end of July is a good bet.

Next: 5 Longest World Series Championship Droughts

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Mailbag: Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Would Part Ways With J.R. Smith

By Nick Dudukovich | Jun 27, 2015

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