JR Smith was recently waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and it appears his NBA journey could continue nearby.
With the Milwaukee Bucks reportedly looking to add a wing shooter, they’ve opened up discussions with the 15-year veteran guard, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The 33-year-old played in just 11 games last season after he stepped away from the team in hopes of being traded or released. It was a mutual decision because he wasn’t happy with his role and the Cavaliers didn’t want him to be a negative influence on their young players.
One of the NBA’s most accurate 3-point shooters, Smith played a vital part in Cleveland winning the 2016 championship, ending a 52-year title drought for the city’s three major sports teams. Smith made two 3-pointers during a critical stretch of Game 7 of the Finals, helping the Cavaliers complete a historic comeback from a 3-1 series deficit to dethrone the Golden State Warriors.
Having cleared waivers, Smith is a free agent and can sign anywhere. Last week, Smith said he wasn’t finished playing and smiled when asked if it’s been strange not being part of a team for the past eight months.
“Technically my whole career’s been in limbo, so this is easy for me,” he said before playing in the All-Star Celebrity Softball Game.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
