Mo Williams Retirement Rumors

According to Cleveland.com, sources are reporting that Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams is strongly considering retiring.

Williams, 33, was used relatively sparingly off the bench by the Cavs last season, averaging 8.2 points per game, 1.8 rebounds per game, and 2.4 assists per game in 18.2 minutes per game across 41 appearances.

In June, Williams exercised the $2.2 million player option in his contract for next season. The NBA’s stretch deadline is on August 31, meaning if a player is waived before that date, a team can spread out the money he is owed over a number of years and that would lower the luxury tax penalties the Cavaliers have already incurred.

The Cavs could also find a trade partner to take on Williams’ salary.

Williams, a 33-year-old, 13-year veteran in the league, is approaching quick on August 31 – the deadline in the National Basketball Association which means that if a player is waived by the aforementioned date, the team can spread his salary out over a period of years, which would ultimately lessen the luxury tax penalty Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert will have to fork over next summer.

Cleveland’s payroll for next season is now $115.2 million, per HoopsHype, and that doesn’t include the possibility of re-signing J.R. Smith.

Additionally, Williams’ retirement would leave rookie Kay Felder as Irving’s only backup.

Turning 28 in October, Cole was limited to just 45 games for the New Orleans Pelicans last season because of a nagging ankle injury. He found his way back onto the floor when it mattered most – in Games 6 and 7 of the NBA Finals – when coach Tyronn Lue turned to him for spot duty as Dellavedova (who now plays for Milwaukee) struggled. Williams criticized James on social media for the manner in which he left the Cavs, but their relationship was later repaired.