With superstar LeBron James already secured with a record-breaking three-year, $100 million contract, the Cleveland Cavaliers are now waiting for mercurial shooting guard JR Smith to sign on the dotted line as rumors emerge that the team could also target veteran Vince Carter on a trade this summer.
The reigning NBA champions earned the long-term commitment of James last Friday after the three-time champion and four-time MVP signed a three-year deal that will pay him over $30 million annually, the largest so far in league history. He joined Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant as the only two other NBA players who received $30 million or more in wages per season during their careers.
Meanwhile, Smith has reportedly demanded an annual salary of $15 million or more, but the Cavs offered him a little over $10 million per year. He is coming off a $5 million a year salary last season and after a remarkable stint in the recent NBA Finals, many analysts believe that he deserves a wage increase.
However, the Cavs are already way over their salary cap limit entering the new season especially after signing James to the massive deal, and so the club is having difficulty agreeing to his $15 million wage demand.
So far, the offer of $10 million yearly still stands, but the starting shooting guard has yet to sign as he is still on a honeymoon with new wife Jewel Harris, Cleveland.com reported.
The report noted that although the two parties are not "that far apart" when it comes to the salary, it was still "unclear when Smith and the Cavs might reach an agreement".
Meanwhile, Cleveland is rumored to be eyeing veteran star Vince Carter as a potential replacement for Smith should the former Sixth Man of the Year awardee decides to sign with another team this summer.
Fansided indicated that the 39-year-old eight-time NBA All-Star could be waived by his current mother club, the Memphis Grizzlies, this summer and has "less than 20 days" to decide on the matter.
If the Grizzlies decides to let go of Carter and Smith still won't sign, then Cavs GM David Griffin is said to be open "to also evaluate other options".