Source: Mike Lawrie / Getty
The J.R. Smith era in Cleveland has officially come to an end. The Cavaliers waived the veteran guard after failing to facilitate a trade for him. NBA fans took to Twitter to salute the ‘Henny God’ even though — he admitted to only drinking 3 glasses of the cognac in his entire life — and hilariously comment on his new freedom.
The Cavaliers announced the decision to let go of the Smith on Monday (July 15) before his contract for next season was guaranteed — which will allow him to test the market in free agency once he clears waivers — ESPN reports. It was long rumored that he would join his buddy LeBron James in Los Angeles, but NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Lakers will be an unlikely destination for him.
Smith has been on the trading block since November because only a portion of his $15.6 million salary for the upcoming season was guaranteed. The Cavaliers were able to work out a deal with Smith to extend his guarantee from June 30 to July 15, but were unable to make a trade happen during the season. By waiving the 33-year-old shooting guard, the Cavs will now be under the luxury tax for the 2019-20 season.
J.R. Smith only played in 11 games last season and fell out of the rotation subsequently agreeing to leave the team in November where he could then wait for a trade or to be released. Before this season, Smith was most remembered for his infamous gaffe in game one of the 2018 NBA Finals where he dribbled out the clock unaware the score was tied and missing an opportunity to get the ball to LeBron James for a final shot. The Cavs would go on to lose to the Warriors, and James would take his act to the west coast.
Despite all of that, Cavs fans were extremely grateful for Smith’s contributions while he wore a Cavalier jersey and hit Twitter to share all of their favorite J.R. moments, and joke about where he is going to land next. You can see all of the reactions in the gallery below.
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Photo: Mike Lawrie / Getty
To Freedom: Cavaliers Release J.R. Smith, NBA Fans React To The Henny God Being Waived was originally published on hiphopwired.com
1.
Never forget JR Smith threw up a no look alleyoop down 3-2 in the Finals. Goodbye my sweet, sweet Hennesey prince 😢 pic.twitter.com/KJT7RJ46Z2
— RJ (@rj_johnston11) July 15, 2019
2.
JR Smith's time in Cleveland is finished, but we'll always have the memories. pic.twitter.com/WXoS1E6NjI
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 15, 2019
3.
4.
LIVE: JR Smith outside the Lakers facility trying to convince LeBron to cut Kyle Kuzma pic.twitter.com/PzeRrRpuGx
— Matthew McGovern (@MatthewMcGovern) July 15, 2019
5.
6.
JR Smith pulling up to a Lakers practice pic.twitter.com/XfNWfhoudM
— IGZ (@igzrap) July 15, 2019
7.
JR Smith: Yo LeBron can I come play with you on the Lakers this season bro?
— Gotty (@NotGotty) July 15, 2019
LeBron: https://t.co/kEUvR9VbY3
8.
JR Smith would be a nice addition for the Rockets!!! Battled tested and ready!!!!🤷🏾♂️
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) July 15, 2019
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10.
Live look at JR Smith at the Lakers training facility: pic.twitter.com/rnes4LIhvK
— Dave Barabas (@barabas_dave) July 15, 2019
11.
JR Smith: “Tell the Lakers to sign me!”
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) July 15, 2019
LeBron: pic.twitter.com/SGpCFaCAdI
12.
JR Smith BREAKING NEWS: pic.twitter.com/6G8jRtKIMM
— Jay (@jfraze123) July 15, 2019
13.
I took this picture of JR Smith at the championship parade. it is my favorite picture of him, and it’s how I’ll choose to remember his time in Cleveland pic.twitter.com/VEdS3sxIf1
— Jordan Zirm (@JordanZirm) July 15, 2019
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15.
Never Forget How Nasty JR Smith Really was...🔥 pic.twitter.com/dliJuk5DCs
— AAWOL (@goaawol) July 15, 2019
16.
JR Smith during retirement https://t.co/22Sj7X6Kis
— Bleenex and Blorox Bleach 🏁 (@Nictheegr8) July 15, 2019
17.
JR Smith: Aye Lebron, can you put in a good word for me with the Lakers front off-
— 𝙲. 🪐 (@aslifeunfolds) July 15, 2019
Lebron: pic.twitter.com/ffvBlfITlu
18.
JR Smith looking at all his free agency options like pic.twitter.com/Qq98cP70KF
— SB Nation (@SBNation) July 15, 2019
19.
JR Smith is the originator of Shooting Your Shot. Living Legend 🐐 pic.twitter.com/WwFKCGfZJy
— 73-9 and they LIED 🏁 (@CuffsTheLegend) July 15, 2019
20.
JR Smith shot 50% from deep during the 2017 playoffs and don't you ever forget it
— Jordan Zirm (@JordanZirm) July 15, 2019
21.
Cavs are expected to waive JR Smith today [@joevardon]
— Cavs Sports Talk 🏀 (@CavsSportsTalk) July 15, 2019
Thank You JR! pic.twitter.com/7gxw6SvUPs
