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