JR Smith says Cavs haven’t invited him back since 2016 championship
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 10:30 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
JR Smith, a key player in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 2016 championship, expressed disappointment that the team has not invited him back in the ten years since their title win. While participating in celebrations with former teammates this summer, he remarked that the Cavaliers have yet to acknowledge his contributions. Smith highlighted the importance of teams recognizing their former players, citing the New York Knicks as exemplary. The Cavaliers responded via social media, referencing Smith's appearance at a game during the 2022-23 season, claiming he will always have a home there. However, Smith's absence from recent honors for former players raises questions about his relationship with the organization after a tumultuous exit in 2019.
- •JR Smith celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Cavs' title this summer.
- •He claims the Cavaliers haven't invited him back since 2016.
- •Smith praised the Knicks for honoring their former players.
- •The Cavs referenced Smith's 2022-23 game appearance in their response.
- •Smith's 2019 departure from the team was marked by conflict.
- 10:30 PMYahoo Sports — Cavs 2016 champion says the team ‘hasn’t invited him back once’
"“I won a chip in Cleveland, they haven’t invited me back once, and it’s been 10 years.”
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NBA•Jun 17, 2026, 11:43 PMIt was just kind of instinct, like how I was raised. I …
- NBA•Jun 17, 2026, 11:43 PMSweeney often worked with the bigs, especially Dereck …
- NBA•Jun 17, 2026, 11:43 PMMadison Square Garden has been hit with a proposed …
- NBA•Jun 17, 2026, 11:42 PMStephen A. Smith’s embarrassing World Cup take linked to Wemby NBA finals defeat
- NBA•Jun 17, 2026, 11:42 PMKarl-Anthony Towns shades Brooklyn Nets after Knicks' NBA title run
- NBA•Jun 17, 2026, 11:41 PMLakers named landing spot for $29 million ex-Pacers playoff hero
