Cleveland Cavaliers trade rumors: Cavs set to lose Smith

Playing an integral part in helping the Cleveland Cavaliers secure their first NBA championship, one would assume that all is well between the franchise and league star J.R. Smith.

Arriving with the team during the 2014–15 season, Smith helped the team reach back-to-back finals appearances, with him also being a big part of their comeback in the 2015–16 season against the Golden State Warriors.

Smith's contract expired at the end of the season and many assumed that it would be a formality that he would sign again and go on with the team that gave him the championship.

But at the moment, that is far from the truth. There is still no new contract, and SB Nation claims that the two are not on the same page.

One of the biggest issues at the moment is the pay that Smith believes he deserves.

In his two years with the Cavs, Smith earned $6.5 and $5 million, respectively. His biggest payday was back in the 2010–11 season where he earned $6.7 million with the Denver Nuggets.

However, this time, Smith is a champion, and he knows he is wanted by the team. Coming off an impressive season, it is understandable that Smith wants to get paid a little more.

Turning 31 years old soon, Smith now knows that this is the best time for him to get a lot more money. He knows that there is a bigger salary cap and that he could get a good slice now that he is an NBA champion.

However, as it turns out, he may not get it with the team that he won a ring with. In fact, rumors are circulating that Smith may be nearing an exit and move to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

If that happens, he will have a bigger role in the team and have a bigger payday.

In his career, Smith averages 13.2 points per game while shooting 42 per cent from the field. He also makes 38 per cent of his shots from beyond the arc.

Fans should expect more news on him and his movement as the days go on.