According to a report from Joe Vardon of cleveland.com, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson has decided to come back for another year of service in the wine and gold. However, in a bit of uncertain news, Vardon also reports that veteran forward and team mentor James Jones has yet to make a decision with regards to his future.
After contemplating retirement, Jefferson, 37, announced that he would be returning to the Cavs for their 2017-18 campaign during an episode of his “Road Trippin’ with R.J. and Channing” podcast. Jefferson’s contract has one full season remaining on it, which will set the Cavs back roughly $2.5 million. In his 79 appearances for the Cavs last season, R.J. averaged 5.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 20.4 minutes per game.
As for Jones, cleveland.com reports that the 36-year-old sharpshooting free agent may not be back. Jones is one of LeBron James‘ closest friends. In fact, the two players have made seven trips to the NBA Finals together. In his 48 appearances with the Cavs last year, the backup swingman averaged 2.8 points (48% field, 47% from beyond the arc) in just under eight minutes per game.
We’ll just have to wait and see who acting general manager Koby Altman elects to fill the position if Jones indeed decides to hang his shoes up.