Veteran point guard JR Smith reiterated on Monday that he wants a trade out of Cleveland and admitted he had rejected a deal to be bought out of his contract.
“I don’t want my legacy to be remembered like that in Cleveland,” Smith said as to why he rejected a buyout. “I don’t think that’s fair to the people I see every single day walking around the arena. I don’t think that’s fair to the trainers or equipment guys…I don’t like the statement of getting bought out.”
The 33-year-old also took a dig at his club after the Monday night loss that saw the team drop to 13 losses against two wins this season.
“I don’t think the goal is to win. The goal isn’t to go out there and try to get as many wins as you can,” Smith said. “I think the goal is to develop and lose to get lottery picks. I think that was always the plan.”
Smith also reiterated his interest in a move away from Cleveland citing the team’s lack of motivation to win. Personally, the 33-year-old hasn’t been performing so well. After being part of the NBA finals last season alongside Lebron James, Smith has averaged 6.7 points per game, a career low.
However, he’s also seen less play time this season (20 minutes) as the Cavaliers bench veterans to give youngsters more time.
