Re: Minnesota TimberWolves
Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2012 2:42 pm
J.R. Smith Looking for a Big Contract
It’s unclear exactly when free agent guard J.R. Smith will be free of his obligations in China. He could end up available as early as mid-February or well into March depending on the Zhejiang Golden Bulls playoff seeding/performance.
Smith has been linked to both the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers but both may be long-shots. Neither has more than the veteran’s minimum to spend ($1.07 million in the case of Smith) and J.R. is looking to be compensated.
The New York Knicks are also rumored to be a suitor, armed with the more lucrative Room Exception at $2.5 million (both numbers are technically prorated because of the lockout).
Multiple sources say Smith is looking for the opportunity to showcase his talents and while the Knicks certainly need help at guard, J.R. has already had a stint with Carmelo Anthony. That may not be as appealing to Smith as some might think.
A more appealing option might be the Minnesota Timberwolves who have their $2.5 million, are suddenly a .500 team and have a true need at the two long-term. Coach Rick Adelman has a tremendous reputation for bringing out the best in players who have had difficulty adjusting to the NBA (Metta World Peace nee Ron Artest).
It’s also unclear where Indiana will spend their money but at $2.7 million under the salary floor (and $14 million below the salary cap), they’re going to be cutting a check to the league after the season if they don’t bring on some payroll. A source indicates that Indiana would probably look elsewhere.
UPDATE: James Posey’s amnestied salary counts towards the Pacers’ minimum salary so they are sufficiently over the cap floor.
Additionally, Smith wants to be a primary option offensively. He’s not going to get that on the Lakers, Clippers, Knicks or Pacers.
The Chicago Bulls have their Bi-Annual Exception at $1.9 million but role for Smith would probably be an issue for J.R. Additionally, a source said Chicago is undecided on whether or not Smith would be the right move for the organization.
The Clippers may have a bigger role at two-guard with Chauncey Billups suffering an Achilles’ injury, but even then Smith would not necessarily be a primary scorer for the team.
The Wolves may be the best overall option for Smith if money and showcase are the priority.
It’s unclear exactly when free agent guard J.R. Smith will be free of his obligations in China. He could end up available as early as mid-February or well into March depending on the Zhejiang Golden Bulls playoff seeding/performance.
Smith has been linked to both the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers but both may be long-shots. Neither has more than the veteran’s minimum to spend ($1.07 million in the case of Smith) and J.R. is looking to be compensated.
The New York Knicks are also rumored to be a suitor, armed with the more lucrative Room Exception at $2.5 million (both numbers are technically prorated because of the lockout).
Multiple sources say Smith is looking for the opportunity to showcase his talents and while the Knicks certainly need help at guard, J.R. has already had a stint with Carmelo Anthony. That may not be as appealing to Smith as some might think.
A more appealing option might be the Minnesota Timberwolves who have their $2.5 million, are suddenly a .500 team and have a true need at the two long-term. Coach Rick Adelman has a tremendous reputation for bringing out the best in players who have had difficulty adjusting to the NBA (Metta World Peace nee Ron Artest).
It’s also unclear where Indiana will spend their money but at $2.7 million under the salary floor (and $14 million below the salary cap), they’re going to be cutting a check to the league after the season if they don’t bring on some payroll. A source indicates that Indiana would probably look elsewhere.
UPDATE: James Posey’s amnestied salary counts towards the Pacers’ minimum salary so they are sufficiently over the cap floor.
Additionally, Smith wants to be a primary option offensively. He’s not going to get that on the Lakers, Clippers, Knicks or Pacers.
The Chicago Bulls have their Bi-Annual Exception at $1.9 million but role for Smith would probably be an issue for J.R. Additionally, a source said Chicago is undecided on whether or not Smith would be the right move for the organization.
The Clippers may have a bigger role at two-guard with Chauncey Billups suffering an Achilles’ injury, but even then Smith would not necessarily be a primary scorer for the team.
The Wolves may be the best overall option for Smith if money and showcase are the priority.