J.R. Smith opts out of Cavs deal, 'mutual interest' in return
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Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard J.R. Smith has opted out of the final year of his contract, thus making him an unrestricted free agent.
Smith now has the option to sign with another team, but there's reported "mutual interest" in a return to Cleveland.
The 29-year-old gunslinger reportedly told ESPN's Chris Broussard last week that he'll "probably opt out" of his deal that was set to pay him $6.4 million in 2015-16, giving him the opportunity to sign a new multi-year deal with whomever he chooses.
The Cavaliers acquired Smith and guard Iman Shumpert from the New York Knicks in a three-team trade on Jan. 5. His numbers jumped from 10.9 points and 2.4 rebounds in The Big Apple to 12.7 and 3.5 respectively with his new squad.
Smith averaged 12.8 points on 40.3 percent shooting during Cleveland's postseason run, which ultimately concluded in a six-game series loss to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
Smith's teammate, three-time NBA All-Star Kevin Love, also reportedly opted out of his deal, although Cavaliers general manager David Griffin acknowledged last week he expected Love to do so.