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holfresh
Posts: 38679 Alba Posts: 0 Joined: 1/14/2006 Member: #1081 |
![]() http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/9421224/new-york-knicks-jr-smith-become-free-agent-source-says
J.R. Smith will not exercise his player option for the 2013-14 season, according to a league source, making him an unrestricted free agent. Tuesday is the deadline for Smith to inform the New York Knicks of his decision. Smith's plans come as no surprise to the Knicks. The team expected him to test free agency rather than agree to play for $2.9 million after his breakout 2012-13 season.
Still, retaining Smith is the Knicks' top offseason priority, according to a league source. They can offer him a contract starting at approximately $5 million per season with standard raises over four years, using the Early Bird exception. Another club with ample cap space can offer Smith more money annually, but Smith has said he values his relationship with head coach Mike Woodson. Playing for the Knicks also provides Smith, a native of Freehold, N.J., the chance to be near his family. If another team offers Smith a chance to start, it might sway his decision. Smith, a nine-year veteran, expressed disappointment early last season when Woodson informed him he'd be coming off the bench. The Knicks would also like to re-sign Chris Copeland and Pablo Prigioni. Both are expected to test free agency and command strong offers on the open market. The Knicks might have to use their mini midlevel exception of $3.1 million to retain the players. Because of salary-cap restrictions, New York has only the mini mid-level exception and minimum contracts to offer free agents. On Tuesday, the Knicks extended their qualifying offer to Copeland, his agent, John Spencer, confirmed with ESPNNewYork.com. Copeland was in New York attending Iman Shumpert's basketball camp at the Knicks' training facility when he found out the news. "Cope is grateful the Knicks made the offer," Spencer said. "It shows they appreciate the value he brought to the team during the season." The offer is for one year guaranteed at $988,872, and Copeland has until July 23 to accept it. If he doesn't by then, the Knicks can withdraw the offer. Several other teams are interested in Copeland, who averaged 8.7 points per game last season as a rookie. |
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holfresh
Posts: 38679 Alba Posts: 0 Joined: 1/14/2006 Member: #1081 |
![]() Knicks need JR at more than JR needs the Knicks..I like that folks think they are dictating terms...
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