This isn’t really a surprise. We already heard J.R. Smith say that he wants to retire a Knick and sources are saying that Smith is “likely” to re-sign with the team. I’d really love for J.R. to stay with my Knicks – the Six Man of the Year just wants to get paid! Report after the jump…
Via Jared Zwerling | ESPN:
J.R. Smith will not opt in with the New York Knicks, declining his player option of $2.9 million, a league source confirmed with ESPNNewYork.com.
Smith will officially announce the decision before June 30, making him an unrestricted free agent.
It was reported by the New York Post last month that Smith was “expected” to opt out. The Knicks can re-sign Smith for $4.9 million using the Early Bird exception, with standard raises over four years.
Another league source said it’s “likely” Smith will re-sign with the Knicks come free agency (starting July 1), putting their roster at eight players under contract for next season. That number could extend to 10 players if New York re-signs Pablo Prigioni and Chris Copeland, who both have qualifying offers of $988,872. If they don’t accept the offers by June 30, they will become restricted free agents.
