NBA Rumors: Miami Heat Consider JR Smith Contract; Hassan Whiteside, Goran Dragic Form New Big 3

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 Miami Heat looks to be closing in on LeBron James' territory as a JR Smith contract is said to be in the works for the Hassan Whiteside squad. With the Cleveland Cavaliers still dealing with the negotiations to re-sign the former New York Knicks star, Pat Riley seems to be swooping in to offer a lucrative deal. Without Dwyane Wade and possibly Chris Bosh in the roster, the Miami Heat are looking for a third man to complete their new set of Big Three.

Money is said to be the main problem in the negotiations for a new JR Smith contract in the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the salary cap rising and the need to retain the majority of the stars in the championship team, not even the demands from LeBron James could hasten the contract talks. Will the NBA offseason see JR Smith walk away from the Kyrie Irving team?

"I don't want to feel like I'm taking advantage of the Cavs for everything they've done for me, and I don't want them to feel like I'm taking advantage of them. It's more of a mutual respect thing," said JR Smith when asked of his contract talks with the LeBron James team.

Rumors are rife that JR Smith is looking into possibly signing with teams that can offer him not only more money but also a good support system. While the Cleveland Cavaliers are his priority at the moment, the former New York Knicks star is not ruling out the other basketball squads in the league.

 "Yes and no. It depends on how you look at it," shared JR Smith when asked whether he feels that the Kyrie Irving team is the best for him.

He further explained, "Financially, you can always go somewhere else. 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?'"

Speculations are linking the Miami Heat to a JR Smith contract this offseason. With back to back losses in the negotiating table courtesy of the Kevin Durant free agency talks and Dwyane Wade exit to the Chicago Bulls, Pat Riley is reportedly looking for a blockbuster deal to redeem himself. Will a JR Smith contract be it?

At this point, the answers remain uncertain. No official comment has been given by any of the parties involved in the NBA rumor. However, fans of both teams seem to be hopeful that JR Smith chooses them.

What do you think? Should JR Smith cave and just re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers? Or is a deal with the Miami Heat an alluring option for him to shine more next season?

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