The New York Knicks reportedly recently discussed trading guard J.R. Smith to the Indiana Pacers for forward Chris Copeland. The New York Post reported Knicks president Phil Jackson is interested in acquiring Copeland's expiring contract and untethering the team from Smith, who has a $6.4 million player option for next season.
Smith earned a big contract last summer after winning the 2013 Sixth Man of the Year award, but his production has declined since then. He was the subject of trade rumors last year, and although nothing came of them, Jackson reportedly is trying his luck again at offloading the shooting guard.
"One of president Phil Jackson's big decisions this season is whether to trade J.R. Smith, and the club had recent conversations with the Pacers regarding ex-Knick Chris Copeland, according to a league source," Marc Berman of the Post wrote Monday. "The 6-foot-9 Copeland, whom the Pacers signed in July 2013, has an expiring contract after bolting the Knicks for a two-year, $6 million deal, so he wouldn't affect their 2015 cap space. ...
"The Knicks are trying to open up as much cap space as possible and would benefit if Smith opts out or if they trade him for an expiring contract."
The move makes sense for New York. Given Smith's declining production and his behavioral issues, there's unlikely to be a big market willing to pay Smith if he opts out of his contract in July. That means Smith is likely to play out the final year of his contract, which would eat salary cap space for a Knicks team that already has a crowded backcourt.
Jackson spoke about Smith earlier this summer and said Smith has a number of things to correct in his game. Jackson also said Smith's immaturity problems - untying an opponent's shoe, a drug-related suspension, etc - might not be curable, a seemingly clear indication Jackson doesn't see the 29 year old as part of the team's future.
