Sam Amick's post on Basketball | Latest updates on Sulia

Quick look at looming free agency of Knicks SG JR Smith: As the New York Times' Howard Beck reports, Smith is expected to forgo his player option and become a free agent on July 1. But despite the fact he can only be paid $2.8 million by the Knicks in the first year of a new deal (up to four years), I'd be surprised if he goes anywhere. The Knicks - and specifically, Knicks executive Mark Warkentien - have been selling him hard on sticking around and it sounds as if that's JR's desire. Their relationship is key, as Warkentien and Smith were together in Denver together and there's a high trust level. Still, Smith will be tempted by more $$ elsewhere, so we shall see.