Pipe Merchant J.R. Smith Is Going Back To Cleveland

Everyone’s favorite shooting guard/ hoverboard pitchman J.R. Smith is returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers for another two years. Because he’s J.R. Smith and he loves fun, he broke the news from the beach via Instagram. Chris Haynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports our man has signed a two-year deal worth $5 million next season, with a player option for 2016-2017.

Lest we forget, Smith gave up $6.4 million to test free agency. His bet on himself didn’t exactly work, but he still retains the flexibility to jump back in the pool when the salary cap soars next year. Smith also negotiated a no-trade clause into his deal, which is pretty good business, seeing as how it almost guarantees he’ll be playing into May. I wonder how much he gave up for not having to worry about waking up a Sacramento King.

Cleveland now has almost $90 million on its books for next season, even before Tristan Thompson either takes his $6.8 million qualifying offer or signs a big-ass deal. But regardless of how clenched-up their salary cap situation is, retaining Smith is great for Cleveland. J.R. is the team’s third best three-point shooter, and in an offense that’s at its best when it uses LeBron as a blunt instrument and surrounds him with shooters, he’s a crucial spacer.

After years of being miscast and misused, J.R. Smith finally has a shot to go PhunkeeDucking off into the sunset and win a title. You go J.R.

Photo via Tony Dejak/AP