The 2016 NBA Champion is still on the team’s roster, but will not play any more games.
Smith is reported to be desperate for a trade away from Cleveland, but so far no deal has been struck.
The 33-year-old now could be stuck with the team until the end of the NBA regular season.
Speaking on Adrian Wojnarowski’s podcast ‘The Woj Pod’, ESPN insider Bobby Marks claimed that Smith could be forced to sit on the sidelines in Cleveland due to his wage.
Smith makes £11.7 million every year, and potential destinations for Smith are reportedly bulking at that contract.
JR Smith is not as easy to move now,” Marks explained.
“I think he’s got more value after the season, if you are team looking to move money to clear cap space.
“[That is] because he has a partial [guarantee for 2019-20].
“He’s making $15 million right now.
“There’s not that many $15 million guys that, if you’re Cleveland, do you want to take on money next year?
“Maybe you go that route, where you’re in a rebuild and you can get something back with him.[E.G draft pick, player in trade]”
It is possible that the Cavaliers are waiting for the trade deadline to move Smith.
After December 15, players acquired in the summer can officially be traded.
That means that players such as Kawhi Leonard, who is reportedly set to leave the Toronto Raptors after joining from the San Antonio Spurs in the summer, can be traded.
Smith’s desire to leave the Cavs came after he gave an interview to the Athletic, claiming that the team was ‘tanking’.
‘Tanking’ is the art of losing games intentionally so as to improve your chances in the NBA Draft Lottery.