NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls Sign JR Smith; Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler Get LeBron James Approval

By Mitch de Leon
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 move of the Chicago Bulls to sign veterans Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat and Rajon Rondo of the Sacramento Kings to form the three alphas with Jimmy Butler showed the direction the team plan to take. Moreover, the exit of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol signified the end of an era for the Nikola Mirotic squad. To further boost their Eastern Conference chances, the Chicago Bulls are said to have recently signed Cleveland Cavaliers star JR Smith this offseason.

The 2015-16 NBA season saw the Cleveland Cavaliers emerge victorious over the Golden State Warriors. While the Dub Nation busied themselves in winning the Kevin Durant free agency campaign, the LeBron James squad concentrated on boosting the roster composed of Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert. With no significant changes in their lineup, it looks like the Cleveland Cavaliers are confident that their championship team can defend the title against the "super team" of the Golden State Warriors.

However, one particular player remains unsigned this offseason. The Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to sign JR Smith. While both parties want to continue their relationship, it appears that the salary demands of the former New York Knicks star are hindering the reunion from getting finalized. In fact, even LeBron James already pushed for this NBA contract to be signed soon.

"I can't be more excited than this opportunity once again, man, to defend our crown, defend our title. We all know last year as a magical, inspiring-- all the words you can come up with-- it was an unbelievable season. I just can't wait to get the group back together-- the team, the franchise, more importantly, get everybody together, the fans," shared LeBron James when he announced his three-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He further noted, I can't wait to see my guys. I can't wait to get back out there in the wine and gold and just get the band back together. Lastly, let's get J.R. done. It's that time."

Despite this call from LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to actually budge from the negotiations. Moreover, JR Smith appears to be firm on his stance. With other NBA teams like the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors polishing their chemistry through training camps, the Kyrie Irving team has to hurry and put an end to this dilemma. Will a JR Smith trade make the situation better for everybody?

The entry of Dwyane Wade in the Chicago Bulls roster surprised a lot of Miami Heat fans as well as the entire basketball community. However, rumors are rife that the Jimmy Butler squad might soon see another superstar joining their ranks - LeBron James. Moreover, it is no secret that the Cleveland Cavaliers star once harbored the idea of forming his own super team.

Aside from Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, the Chicago Bulls might soon welcome Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony in their roster. Hence, fans believe that sending JR Smith to the Michael Jordan team is only the first step. Could this be true? Will the Chicago Bulls turn into a bigger "super team" than the Golden State Warriors?

The answer remains uncertain. At this point, the NBA trade rumor involving JR Smith is still unconfirmed. Some believe that the former New York Knicks star and the Cleveland Cavaliers will eventually find a compromise. Meanwhile, others are eager to see how JR Smith will mesh with Jimmy Butler, Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo in the Chicago Bulls if truly signs with the NBA team.

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