Sources: Richard Jefferson not retiring
NEW YORK – Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson, a key contributor to Cleveland’s 2016 championship run, has decided not to retire and hopes to play two to three more seasons, league sources told The Vertical.
Jefferson, 36, played 74 games for the Cavaliers last season, averaging 5.5 points per game. His role increased in the NBA Finals when he stepped in for an injured Kevin Love in Game 3 and posted nine points and eight rebounds in Cleveland’s 120-90 win.
Jefferson has proven to be durable late in his career, playing at least 74 games in each of the last three seasons. Cleveland is expected to try to re-sign him, while Jefferson is a strong candidate to land a lucrative, short-term deal from a team in need of reaching the salary-cap floor.
Jefferson was the 13th selection in the 2001 NBA draft, playing 15 seasons with New Jersey, Milwaukee, San Antonio, Golden State, Utah, Dallas and Cleveland. He's averaged 13.3 points and 4.2 rebounds for his career.
