Cavaliers GM: J.R. Smith 'is a player we'd like to have back'

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There are several reasons why Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin should do everything in his power to keep last season's core intact.

For one, the team was ever-so-close to winning the first NBA championship in franchise history, falling to the Golden State Warriors in the 2015 NBA Finals in a hard-fought six-game series. LeBron James would also like to see some of his free-agent teammates back in Cleveland next season, with Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith being at the forefront.

Re-signing Kevin Love to a five-year, $110-million max contract was a good start, but the depth that comes from keeping Thompson and Smith is integral to Cleveland's future postseason runs.

While talking with the media Saturday, Griffin mentioned how coming to terms on a deal with Smith remains a priority.

On June 26, Smith opted out of his contract which would have paid him nearly $6.4 million during the 2015-16 season. Even so, there was reported "mutual interest" in a return, with Smith looking for a new multi-year deal.

Smith averaged 12.7 points on 42.5 percent shooting after coming over in a trade from the New York Knicks. Once the playoffs commenced, the 29-year-old trigger-happy shooting guard continued to put up similar numbers with 12.8 points in 31.1 minutes per game.

While not one to create his own offense, Smith provides decent insurance in the backcourt as a distance shooter who can nail big buckets. Even so, Smith is easily replaceable if a deal can't be struck. Scoring guards are a dime a dozen in the NBA, and with Mo Williams signing a reported two-year deal with the team, Smith could easily find himself on the outside looking in.

On the bright side, it appears that LeBron is in his corner, which could help expedite the process in the coming days.