re: How important is J-Smooth to the Pels going forward?

Exactly.

Sign this guy here for the rest of his career. He doesn't chirp about playing time, is a great big off the bench. High energy, athletic, plays his role, and is great at the pick 'n pop game. Nice jumper for a C.

You lock him up long term with a declining contract. If we don't splash this year in FA, you front load his contract with all of our cap space.