Cavs offering J.R. Smith less than his player option would have paid
When J.R. Smith passed and became a free agent, he really believed a multi-year offer for more money was coming his way. It didn't happen.
The Cavs have made him an offer but it's less than $6.4 million that he turned down. They know Smith is not thrilled with a lesser deal. But right now, he has no leverage, and a one-year contract puts him in position to cash in next summer when the salary cap rises 30 percent.
Smith may continue to wait. But right now, it seems Cleveland is his only option.