New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith will reportedly opt out of his player option in order to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, according to ESPN's Jared Zwerling.
Smith will officially make the announcement of his decision before June 30, making him an unrestricted free agent.
However, according to the same report, other league sources are saying that it's "likely" Smith will re-sign with the Knicks come free agency, putting their roster at eight players under contract next season.
Smith enjoyed his best season of his career, averaging 18.1 points per game on 42.2 percent shooting to go along with 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game on his way to becoming this year's NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award recipient.
However, he saw a decline in his numbers during the post season, averaging 14.3 points on only 33.1 percent shooting, but all while playing through fluid in his left knee.
When he's got his shot going, he can certainly provide instant offense of the bench. But when he's off, questions of his shot taking ability only intensify.
Still, Smith is still a great asset to have on your team and the Knicks would be crazy to let go a scorer of his ability go during the offseason unless they have something else in stored.
Related Articles:
Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: GM Mitch Kupchak Believes Howard Will Return Next Season, Steve Nash Almost Joined The Heat?
NBA Finals 2013 TV Time And Schedule: LeBron James Hasn't Forgotten About 2007, Will He Get His Revenge Against The Spurs?
Los Angels Lakers Rumors: Kobe Bryant Tweets He's Off Crutches, Says He Wants To Have The Final Say In Dwight Howard Saga
NBA Playoff Standings 2013: Miami Heat Are Favored Over San Antonio Spurs In NBA Finals, Kawhi Leonard Ready For Task Of Defending LeBron James?
