The Knicks are on a roll and they are patiently awaiting the return of Carmelo Anthony, but the injured star forward may not be the only player returning to the NBA hardwood as a member of the Knicks.
The New York Daily News reported Thursday afternoon that the Knicks are looking to sign J.R. Smith, a former teammate of Anthony when both played for the Denver Nuggets.
According to the report, the Knicks are closing in on a deal for Smith who has been playing basketball in China because of the uncertainty surrounding the NBA lockout before the season started.
The News reported that Knicks owner James Dolan met with Smith’s agent, Leon Rose, Wednesday night in an effort to finish up the deal. The report said Smith would receive the Knicks $2.5 million exception.
Knicks closing in on a deal for JR Smith, Daily News has learned. Need to cut a player. Two weeks earlier and it could have been Jeremy Lin
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) February 16, 2012
If the Knicks do add the 25-year-old guard to the squad then they will have to release another player from the team.
The report also said that Dolan, general manager Glen Grunwald and coach Mike D’Antoni met Wednesday night to discuss the roster.
Other teams have been eyeing Smith who can be an explosive scorer off the bench, but he can be inconsistent, and Smith has been known to get shot-happy.
There already has been talk about how Carmelo Anthony will fit into the Knicks new and improved offense, which has been thriving since Jeremy Lin was inserted as the starter.
