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jrsmithopt J.R. Smith: If All Things Are Equal, Im Staying

Time is running out for J.R. Smith. The New Jersey native has just 19 days to decide if he’ll return with the Knicks next season. We already know that Earl Smith, J.R.’s dad, will make a strong case for his son to stay in New York, but what are J.R.’s latest thoughts?

One things for sure, he likes being close to home. ”I’m getting kind of spoiled right now, going up and down the Turnpike,” My mom’s right there. She’s cooking. She’s coming up to New York and cleaning my place. 

“After having that, I think it’s going to be harder off the court than it will be on the court [to leave]. On the court basketball is basketball everywhere. But you got your family and friends and everybody, so it will be tough.”

If J.R. Smith opts out by June 26th, the Knicks could give him $2.8 million but would have to dip into their mid level exception to do so- something that would effect keeping other free agents, such as Jeremy Lin. But this can all become simple if the players union wins next Wednesday’s appeal to get Lin and Novak “Early Bird Rights”, allowing New York to sign both players without the use of exceptions. 

“I want to be here so I’m not really putting too much emphasis on it. I got money now. It’s all about winning, and whatever is the best situation and the best fit really. If all things are equal, I’m staying.”