The Milwaukee Bucks have interest in acquiring disgruntled shooting guard J. R. Smith if he's bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources told The Athletic's Joe Vardon.

Vardon reports that Cleveland and Smith are not close to completing a buyout, though. He adds that there is little incentive for the Cavs to buy out Smith, who reportedly is owed over $14 million for this season and over $15 million for 2019-20. And from Smith's perspective, money is important to him, Vardon notes.

Smith hasn't played for the Cavs since the team announced on Nov. 20 that he would no longer be with the club, as it and his representation work to come to a decision regarding his future. Before their parting, the 33-year-old had also requested the team to trade him.

Smith averaged 6.7 points over the 11 games he played in this season. Smith has been a member of the Cavaliers since he was acquired by the team in a trade with the New York Knicks during the 2014-15 season. Since joining the Cavaliers, Smith has signed two contract extensions with the team.

The Cavs, who reached the NBA Finals in each of the past four seasons largely thanks to the prowess of the now-departed LeBron James, currently have the third worst record in the league at 12-46.

Meanwhile, the Bucks have the best record in the NBA at 43-14.