As the opening of 2016-17 NBA season comes closer, trade rumors about Michael Carter-Williams and J.R Smith are making rounds online. These two players are some of the most prolific shooters in the league, and latest reports they might wear different jerseys next season.
An article from Bleacher Report says J.R. Smith might don Boston Celtic's green uniform next season. The Celtics reportedly need a guard that can shoot three-points and drive to the basket -- qualities that Smith possesses.
Furthermore, Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas said the team needs a shooter that can easily knock down threes off the dribble. He added a knockdown shooter would be a great help for the Celtic's offense.
However, the Celtics does not have enough salary cap space to acquire Smith. The former Cavaliers guard reportedly demanded a salary of $15 million annually, but the Celtics are only left with $9 million in the tank.
Nearly four months after the Cavaliers beat the Warriors in the NBA finals, Smith still remains unsigned. Previously, ESPN reported the Cavs offered Smith a three-year deal with $42 million guaranteed, but the versatile shooting guard turned down the offer.
The 6′ 6″ guard is one of the biggest reasons why the Cavs won the 2016 NBA championship. In the last NBA finals, Smith was able to hit crucial shots to lift the Cavs against the Warriors. In fact, he led the NBA playoffs in three-point shooting.
The combination of Smith and Thomas would be deadly in the backcourt. However, as of now, nothing is confirmed regarding Celtics-Smith deal.
Meanwhile, Marc Stein of ESPN said the Milwaukee Bucks offered Michael Carter-Williams (MCW) to the Sacramento Kings for Ben McLemore. Also, fellow ESPN insider Zach Lowe said Bucks officials are open to move MWC to get better chances next season.
MWC was sidelined to recover from his hip injury. He wasn't able to play from February 29 until the end of last season. In his absence, forward Giannis Antetokounmpo manned the floor general position. The 6'11" Greek player was effective on the court last season, making 19.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.5 steals.
The strong performance of Antetokounmpo might decide the Bucks to ship Carter-Williams to the Kings.
For the replacement of MCW, shooting guard Ben McLemore is an athletic player that can provide additional firepower to the Buck's offense.
