Knicks fans love J.R. Smith, but he likely bolts this summer

[Big Bid'Ness]

Fromrobasketballtalk

New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith attempts to dunk the ball in their NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in New York Reuters

When he is raining down threes like he did against Boston, it’s easy to love J.R. Smith’s game. So today, Knicks fans love him. He brings an edge off the bench that fans and teammates love. Thing is, Smith is going to keep taking those shots whether they are falling or not, and some days his shot selection can make you squirm.

But if Knicks fans were planning on seeing him around next year, they are likely in for a shock.

Smith signed for the mini-midlevel exception of $2.5 million upon his return from China (where he played during the lockout), with a player option for next year. He didn’t have a lot of choices. Smith wants a longer-term deal however and will test the market this summer, reports Alex Kennedy at Hoopsworld.

This offseason, Smith will have many more options. He’s expected to opt-out of the final year of his contract and hopes to sign a multi-year deal this summer, according to sources close to the situation. The Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic are among the teams expected to express interest in Smith if he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

New York is a draw. Winning is a draw. But nothing is a draw like money and other teams may have more to offer Smith this summer.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

Smith in Orlando would be interesting, for many reasons.

 

[RipCity32]

Like to see how he does with a full time starting job. Though it probably wouldn't be very pretty.

 

[dez]

Exactly why he needs to stay in NY Rip lol

 

[Giantmetfan07]

i don't like him.

 

[cruzg24]

Question is, are the Knicks better with him or without him?

 

[elcheato]

He shoots a lot, and he misses a lot.

 

[dez]

He has also asserted himself on defense this year more then any other. Which is good in my book, chalk them bitches up if your playing defense.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

they're actually better with him. Even before we signed JR the team chucked up a lot of 3s and missed a lot of them. At least with JR if he hits 2 early on he gets in a groove. If he misses and has a bad night it's probably the same shooting performance we'd get out of Douglas or Fields, so i'm okay with it.