Wednesday 21 November 2018 08:21, UK
JR Smith and the Cleveland Cavaliers have mutually agreed for him to leave the team.
Smith has publicly criticised the Cavaliers this season and the team have confirmed they are working towards a trade for the 33-year-old.
A statement released on Tuesday read: "The Cleveland Cavaliers announced today that JR Smith will no longer be with team as the organisation works with JR and his representation regarding his future.
"The organisation wishes JR and his family well and appreciates and thanks him for his contributions in the community, to the team and his role in the 2016 NBA Championship."
Smith recently informed general manager Koby Altman he preferred to be traded when it became clear the Cavaliers would not compete this season.
After a loss on Monday sent Cleveland to the bottom of the NBA standings at 2-13, Smith told The Athletic's Jason Lloyd the clear plan was to tank and collect high draft picks.
"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 is averaging just 6.7 points per game, playing 20 minutes per game, and being paid $14.7 million (£11.5m) for the 2018-19 season. The 15-year veteran has reportedly refused overtures aimed at a buyout.
"I don't want my legacy to be remembered like that in Cleveland," Smith said of the buyout proposition.
"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 just look at it differently than being traded. I don't like the statement of getting bought out."
