Waiting Out J.R. Smith With 2015-16 Highlights

J.R. Smith and the Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to agree to a new deal, so here are Smith’s highlights from the championship-winning 2015-16 season.

J.R. Smith and the Cleveland Cavaliers remain at odds in negotiating a new contract for the upcoming season. He had one of the best seasons of his career, and he was a major factor in the Cavs championship run.

Smith shot 40.0 percent from three-point range last season, only the second time in his career he has eclipsed that mark. He also had a career-best turnover rate of 6.3, hitting elite status. To round it off, his game improved dramatically on the defensive end and was crucial to the team’s success.

Smith, 30, is reportedly seeking a new deal that will pay him $15 million per year. Is he worth that kind of money? Only if the Cavs want to contend again for a second NBA Championship.

However, the Cavaliers have offered Smith a deal paying around $10 million per year. That could be enough to sweeten the cake. Though that is $5 million less than what Smith is asking for, Basketball Insider‘s Steve Kyler believes a deal will be reached, even if it is closer to training camp.

Remember when Tristan Thompson agreed to his new contract prior to last season? It wasn’t until Oct. 21, which was just six days before the 2015-16 regular season tipped-off. There is no need to worry about Smith coming back to Cleveland, at least not yet.

Smith was very entertaining off the court, especially during all of the championship celebrations and at the championship parade. But while we wait, here are some of his best highlights from last season’s championship run.

Smith started cooking leading up to the NBA Playoffs with a 24-point performance against the Chicago Bulls. He was an efficient 7-for-14 (50.0 percent) from the floor and dominated his matchup against Jimmy Butler. The game was a good tune-up for exploding during the playoffs.

Smith was key in the first playoff series against the rival-Detroit Pistons. In Game 2 of the series, he scored 21 points while connecting on 7-of-11 (63.6 percent) three-point attempts. His great three-point shooting was a part of a playoff-tying record of 20 made three-pointers.

In Game 4 of the series, Smith erased any optimism Pistons fans had of a late comeback. While LeBron James and Kyrie Irving were the stars, they couldn’t have won a narrow 100-98 series clincher without Smith’s 15 points. Smith efficiently connected on 5-of-7 (71.4 percent) three-point attempts in the series clincher.

In Game 2 of the Cavs’ series with the Atlanta Hawks, Smith scored 23 points. He shot 7-for-13 (53.8 percent) from the floor and led Cleveland’s charge to a NBA Playoff record 25 made three-pointers.

The Cavs would make quick work of the Hawks to meet up with the Toronto Raptors, who they would beat to reach their second straight NBA Finals.

Smith ignited the home crowd with the Cavs facing a 2-0 deficit in the NBA Finals. He scored 20 points and had three steals in Cleveland’s first NBA Finals win. He shot 5-for-10 (50.0 percent) from three-point range, and was one of three Cavs to score 20-plus points.

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With the Cavs trailing by eight points early in the third quarter in Game 7 and on the road, who other than J.R. Smith to get the Cavs back in the game? Smith hit back-to-back three-pointers to bring the Cavs back to within two points.

Those were the only two three-pointers that Smith would hit in a 12-point performance, and they couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. The Cavaliers would go on to win the game 93-89, clinching their first championship in franchise history.

Now, the focus is on retaining Smith, who is the last piece of the puzzle to return to the Cavaliers. It may take even more time than expected because Smith is a newlywed, but it shouldn’t be long before the two parties reach a deal.

J.R. Smith is a key part of the Cavaliers, and he will continue to be a spark plug for them once he signs to remain in Cleveland.