NBA trade rumors: JR Smith still a needed asset in Ohio

Already with an NBA championship in his list of accomplishments, veteran guard JR Smith is definitely living the life in the lane he chose.

He has gone through different teams and experienced ups and downs while playing with the then-New Orleans Hornets, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Some people are afraid to play with him as their teammate due to his erratic behavior and his knack for shooting the ball each time he has the possession.

However, the Cavaliers have found the best way to utilize the swingman which has resulted in him helping the team win their first NBA title.

Now, Smith finds himself out of a contract after declining his player option, and is free to sign with any team in the league knowing well that his status as champion will ensure he has a place to call home when the new season starts.

According to Bleacher Report, the biggest possibility for Smith is that he will remain with the Cavaliers as the management sees him as an important person.

After averaging 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists during the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, Smith has proven to be a key figure in the team and thus should remain.

Yet, the question remains on how much Smith will actually get if he stays with the Cavaliers, as LeBron James also opted out of his contract.

This puts the ball back in the Cavaliers' court to offer James an even bigger contract to make him stay, and that may leave less on the table for Smith.

However, this is where Smith finds himself most comfortable, as he is said to be given the "green light" to shoot when able and it has worked for the team.

Also a part of the veteran core, it will be surprising to see if Smith changes teams yet again, as he may choose to ride out his career alongside an all-time great.