New York Knicks: Top 5 Landing Spots for J.R. Smith
5 Teams That May Take a Chance on Trading for J.R. Smith
In a report out of Bleacher Report Los Angeles, the New York Knicks are reportedly going to attempt to trade their troubled shooting guard J.R. Smith after he received a $50,000 fine from the league on Wednesday. The fine came due to “recurring incidents of unsportsmanlike conduct.”
What kind of unsportsmanlike conduct? This one may throw you for a loop. Smith, for the second time, attempted to untie an opponents shoelaces. Yes, you read that correctly.
On Sunday, Smith was seen untying the shoelaces of forward Shawn Marion in the Knicks’ win over the Dallas Mavericks. Then, two days later, Smith tried the same stunt again. Only, this time, Smith tried doing it to Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe while lined up in the free throw lane.
Wednesday, the league took action by striking him with a hefty fine. Following the fine, head coach Mike Woodson had had enough.
"I'm not happy about this because he was warned, he comes back, and he makes the same mistake, and it's not right," Woodson said, according to ESPN. "It's just got to stop. I keep saying this every time something pops up, but it's got to stop."
So, instead of attempting to make it stop, the Knicks are now going to see if anybody wants this guy. Marc Stein has reported that as “challenging as it sounds,” New York has already begun exploring trade scenarios for Smith. With that said, here are the top five potential landing spots we could see Smith be dealt to in the coming days.
Ryan Heckman is a Senior Writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman or add him to your network on Google.
5. Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most beat-up teams in the league right now, and they could use all of the help they can get. Would Kobe Bryant be interested in teaching Smith a thing or two about being a veteran? The Lakers could sure use another body on that roster, that’s for sure.
4. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are doing anything but tanking in the 2013-2014 season, and are one of the top teams said to be interested in making some potential trades before the cutoff next month. Would Smith benefit them off the bench, or is his behavior a lost cause?
3. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers will be one of the most active teams prior to the trade deadline. They have made it known that many of their players are available including Spencer Hawes and Evan Turner. Would the Knicks strike a deal including one of those key names?
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
Dion Waiters still wants out, I’m sure of it. The Cleveland Cavaliers are also likely going to continue to gauge potential moves prior to the deadline. Would they be able to make something like this happen?
1. Sacramento Kings
Along with the 76ers, the Sacramento Kings are said to be one of the most active teams at the moment in preparing for an action-packed trade deadline. They would still like to make more moves, so landing Smith would not be a surprise whatsoever.
