by Marcel Mutoni / @ marcel_mutoni
Mere months into a new, three-year contract extension, the New York Knicks have already grown tired of JR Smith’s act.
According to multiple reports, the Knicks are exploring trade options for the embattled shooting guard, though getting rid of Smith will be tough, if not impossible.
Per ESPN and CBS Sports:
Sources close to the situation said Wednesday that the organization has become increasingly frustrated with Smith’s on- and off-the-court transgressions and may feel that a fresh start would be best for all parties. […] Wednesday’s fine didn’t necessarily push the Knicks over the top, but one source with knowledge of the team’s thinking said the organization has become “fed up” with Smith’s erratic behavior.
But given Smith’s struggles this season — not to mention his lack of focus and seriousness — the Knicks’ attempts to trade him are proving even more difficult than the task of climbing out of their 12-22 hole.
“I hear Shanghai has a spot,” one rival GM said Wednesday when polled about potential takers for Smith.
Another executive, when asked about teams that might be interested, texted, “Erie?”
For what it’s worth, JR apologized for his latest gaffe via Twitter on Wednesday:
Huge apologies to my team, to the league an most of all you the fans! #JRSmithSigningOff
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) January 8, 2014
Smith, 28, is putting up just 11.3 points a night (way down from the 18.1 he posted last season as the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year) while shooting a grotesque 34.8% from the field.
