NBA Rumors: San Antonio Spurs Hint at JR Smith Deal; Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge Reject PF

By Doug Jackson
JR Smith
NBA rumors point to a JR Smith deal with the Miami Heat this offseason. Will LeBron James let the former New York Knicks star go? Keith Allison/Wikimedia Commons

The San Antonio Spurs are looking into improving their roster following their surprising slide last season when they got eliminated in the playoffs courtesy of the Oklahoma City Thunder led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. While the Kawhi Leonard team remains a favorite this season, Gregg Popovich is also aware of the need to develop the lineup especially with the super team of the Golden State Warriors that is certain to dominate the Western Conference once again. Hence, it comes as no surprise that a JR Smith contract could be in the works with the LaMarcus Aldridge team.

At this point, the Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to finalize the future of the JR Smith contract talks. Despite the calls from LeBron James regarding the former New York Knicks star's deal with the team, the front office still seems to be dragging its heels. Moreover, JR Smith himself appears to be slowly losing patience with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Will Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, and Kevin Love lose him this season?

"Financially, you can always go somewhere else," said JR Smith. He added, "Team morale-wise, there are a few teams that I could see working. There are guys I would like to play with, guys I have played with. Being able to live in that city or a particular place, school systems, kids, family life-[with] free agency, everything comes into play. Before, I could just sit there and be like, 'I don't care where I go.' But now I have the kids, and it's like, 'Ok, what's the best fit?'"

Throughout the NBA offseason, several basketball teams have reportedly inquired on JR Smith and his availability. Although he remains a free agent, he has been open with his desire to hopefully re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite rumored offers from the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, and Golden State Warriors, JR Smith is said to be still holding out for a contract with the LeBron James team. However, it looks like the parties have reached the end of the line.

Rumors are rife that the San Antonio Spurs are making a move to sign a JR Smith contract this season. With the apparent changes in the maturity level and professionalism of the former New York Knicks, it looks like Gregg Popovich is mulling over adding him to help out Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Danny Green, and Tony Parker. Moreover, reports are surfacing that the style of JR Smith could complement the plays of the San Antonio Spurs.

At the moment, a JR Smith contract with the San Antonio Spurs remains an NBA rumor. However, fans of the former New York Knicks star feel that the culture in the Kawhi Leonard could develop the star better than in the Cleveland Cavaliers. What do you think? Should the San Antonio Spurs swoop in to sign a JR Smith contract this season?

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