Free agent guard J.R. Smith doesn’t want to answer any questions about his unresolved contract situation. Smith is the biggest name left on the market, but his negotiations with the Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be at an impasse. On Thursday, he posted an “Uninterrupted” video about his 10th annual golf outing, which is taking place in Lakewood, New Jersey, and he advised reporters to not even try to broach the subject with him.
“For all you media guys coming out, I know you guys are going to ask me about my contract situation,” Smith said. “You guys got my agent’s number, so y’all can call him. Rich Paul, you know what it is. Klutch. Ya dig?”
Uninterrupted, LeBron James’ multimedia platform, has become the destination for news (or non-news, I guess) about Smith’s free agency. When James announced that he had agreed to re-sign with the Cavaliers, he ended his video by saying that it’s time to get Smith’s deal done. Both James and Smith, of course, are represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group.
Back in July, Cleveland general manager David Griffin said he was confident that the two sides would figure things out. Despite reports that they are apart on the financial terms of a potential deal, it has always seemed like Smith wants to return and the Cavs want him back. The question, of course, is how long they are willing to wait.
Last season, Cleveland was in a similar situation with big man Tristan Thompson, who is also represented by Paul. Thompson signed a five-year, $82 million deal, but he only did so in October, just before the start of the regular season.
Courtesy: CBS Sports
