Cavaliers' Jefferson mulling retirement again
Warning: The following post contains coarse language.
Richard Jefferson may have played his last NBA game.
For the second year in a row, the Cleveland Cavaliers small forward is thinking about hanging up his sneakers for good after another regular season combined with a deep playoff run.
"I don't know what I'm about to do next season," he said in the latest episode of his "Road Trippin'" podcast.
The veteran swingman, who turns 37 on Wednesday, announced his retirement after helping the Cavaliers capture their first-ever championship in 2016. He promptly changed his mind, though, and re-signed with the club.
He has a guaranteed $2.5 million left on his contract for 2017-18, but is reconsidering his return after the squad failed to defend its title against the Golden State Warriors this postseason, bowing out of the NBA Finals in five contests.
"The only way I would come back would be if these m----- f------ figure this s--- out," he joked, adding he's grateful for his new endeavor.
"Honestly, at the end of the day, coming back alone was not only worth the experience but also worth 'Road Trippin' man. This s--- was cool, man, because we gave fans something that they had never f---ing seen."
Jefferson was one of the most important players for Cleveland outside of its Big Three in the Finals, putting up 5.8 points and 2.4 rebounds in 16.6 minutes per outing.
Guest-starring in the podcast's inaugural season finale, LeBron James threw support behind Jefferson and let him know there's a spot on the Cavs should he suit up for his 17th year.
"Whatever you do, R.J., you know you got a home here," James said. "You got a home here in Cleveland."