The New York Knicks are beginning to discuss steps on how to get rid of shooting guard J.R Smith, according to ESPN New York reporter Ian Begley.
According to latest tweet by Begley, the Knicks have been talking about their options on Smith all this time, but the trade that would ship him out of the Big Apple might finally happen in the coming weeks.
"Regarding the idea of moving J.R. Smith, the #Knicks have continued to discuss internally their options to deal him. Have done so since July," Begley reported.
The 29-year old Smith has expressed his frustrations in trying to play in a triangle system ever since the start of training camp. Averaging 9.6 points on 42 percent shooting, the former Sixth Man of the Year believed his playing style isn't a great fit to work under a triangle.
The Knicks have limited options if they want to trade Smith at this point of the season, no thanks to his notoriety as a mercurial player along with his near $6M paycheck (with player's option next year). However, analysts think the market isn't too dry for a streaky scorer like Smith.
New York Post reporter Marc Berman broke a story two weeks ago about a potential deal between the Indiana Pacers and the Knicks involving Smith and former Knickerbockers Chris Copeland. However, the rumor was immediately turned down by Knicks executive.
Still, Smith's days in New York are apparently numbered. The Knicks are dealing so many problems right now, starting from bad habits in reverting back to one-on-one plays to lack of high-caliber talents outside Carmelo Anthony. Dealing Smith away will not fix everything, but it's definitely a nice way to start things up.
The Pacers remains an ideal landing spot for Smith because of their lack of scoring punch from the bench due to myriad of injuries to their key players. The Charlotte Hornets made a run at Smith in the free-agency two summers ago, and it won't be surprising to renew their interest in the swingman, who could provide them a much needed long distance threat.
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