NBA Rumors: Predicting Where The Top 30 Free Agents Will Land

May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) during the fourth quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 31

June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

30. J.R. Smith, Unrestricted

He betted on himself when he opted out of his $6.4 million contract last summer and only made $5 million when he re-signed in Cleveland. That was a mistake, clearly. However, now that he has his ring, he’ll likely be seeking to make some of the money that he lost back.

J.R. Smith will likely want to remain in Cleveland to defend the title, but I’m not so sure that the Cavs will want to pay him what he’ll likely get from opposing teams on the open market.

Expect contending teams looking for a quality bench scoring option to throw Smith money. In the end, though, I’d be shocked if he exits Cleveland. I believe he’ll get paid by the Cavs, too.

Prediction: Signs three-year deal in Cleveland

Next: No. 29

Home/NBA News