NBA Rumors: 5 destinations for J.R. Smith

May 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) reacts after a dunk in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

5 of 6

Apr 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown goes over a play with his team during the third quarter of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center. The Milwaukee Bucks won 109-108 in OT. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers have been the brunt of NBA jokes over the past few seasons. They haven’t been able to climb out of the cellar of the league, and can barely roster 12-15 NBA talents. Former GM Sam Hinkie tried to do a slow rebuilding process by acquiring assets (first round picks, Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor), but the lack of progress and pressure from the organization led to his resignation.

Now, the Sixers are focused on trying to get their team to become somewhat respectable. This may lead to them giving out bloated contracts to players who don’t quite deserve them, especially with the amount of cap space they have. If GM Bryan Colangelo decides to pursue a shooting guard, Smith could be an option.

The Sixers have needs all over the place, so Smith would easily fill a gap in the lineup. Whether it’s starting at shooting guard or coming off the bench, he would be better than most of the scorers they have.

Smith may be attracted to the Sixers because of their lack of scorers. He has always been a high-volume shooter, and may see this as a grand opportunity to post his first-ever 20 PPG season. Don’t count out Philadelphia from making this happen.

Next: No. 1

Home/Cleveland Cavaliers