Mavericks owner Mark Cuban says that, unlike with DeAndre Jordan, he was not blindsided by free agent swingman Richard Jefferson’s decision to change his mind about returning to Dallas.
With the J.R. Smith contract talks at a standstill, the Cleveland Cavaliers are on the verge of inking the 35-year-old veteran to a one-year deal.
Another curveball in Mavs' offseason: Hearing that vet swingman Richard Jefferson, thought to be staying in Dallas, now signing with Cavs
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 21, 2015
Looming signing of Richard Jefferson adds wing depth for Cleveland as Cavs continue to negotiate with the still-unsigned J.R. Smith
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 21, 2015
Mavs owner Mark Cuban tells ESPN that team was NOT blindsided by Richard Jefferson's U-turn a la DeAndre Jordan, saying RJ called him first
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 21, 2015
Jefferson put up averages of 5.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in 74 games with the Mavs last season.
Per the AP:
Jefferson, who came off the bench in Dallas last season, will receive the veteran’s minimum salary, said the person who spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the contract has not been signed.
The 35-year-old Jefferson averaged 5.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in 17 minutes per game for the Mavericks. He shot a team-leading 43 percent from 3-point range. Jefferson was the No. 13 overall pick in the 2001 draft by Houston.
The Cavs are in the market for wing players like Jefferson. They remain interested in re-signing free agent J.R. Smith, who opted out of his contract this summer.
