Boston Celtics Reportedly Interested in J.R. Smith

According to New York Daily News reporter Frank Isola, the Boston Celtics are interested in signing J.R. Smith.

Isola writes:

“It is likely that Smith, a one-time Sixth Man of the Year with the Knicks, will re-sign with Cleveland but there are several teams that have interest in the shooting guard. One team is the Boston Celtics, whose second unit could certainly use a little scoring punch.

Barring a trade to clear cap space, the Celtics have approximately $9 million to sign Smith. He’s looking for a bigger payday, somewhere in the $15 million per season range. The Cavs are currently offering between $10 and $11 million annually. The Celtics would have to get close to $15 million for Smith to want to leave Cleveland to be a back-up to Avery Bradley.”

This report does not mean Smith is leaning towards the Celtics, but it does add another twist to the Cavs’ dilemma.

Is it possible that Jordan McRae plays well enough in the preseason that the Cavs let Smith sign elsewhere?

How much more would the Celtics be willing to pay the shooting guard and what number is too much for the Cavs?

How far does Smith’s loyalty to his teammates and desire to repeat as NBA champions go before the dollar amount gets in the way?

Things could get even more interesting in the coming days.