ESPN New York is reporting that Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith has opted of his contract, and will become a free agent.
Sources say that his opt out is no surprise to the Knicks, who didn’t expect Smith to play for $2.9 million after winning the NBA”s Sixth Man Of The Year Award.
Smith averaged 18.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, and was an integral part of the Knicks making it to the Eastern Conference Semi’s.
The Knicks will be able to offer Smith about $5 million a season, and are banking on his relationship with Mike Woodson closing the deal.