ESPN: Knicks Re-Sign J.R. Smith
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Jim McIsaac/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The New York Knicks have agreed to bring back guard J.R. Smith on a four-year-deal, according to ESPN.
The two sides have reportedly come to an agreement on a $24.7 million, which was the most the team could offer him via the Early Bird Rights.
Despite garnering plenty of interest from around the league, Smith chose to remain with the Knicks in part due to his close relationship with head coach Mike Woodson. Smith, who is a Freehold, New Jersey native, also liked the idea of staying close to home.
Smith’s eighth NBA season and second with the Knicks was his best in the NBA. He averaged 18.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game off the bench for the Knicks, which were both career-highs.
Smith’s productive season culminated in winning the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award.
Despite his regular season success he’s experienced while in New York, he’s struggled in the playoffs. Last season, he shot .316% from the field, and this past postseason, he averaged 14.3 points on .331% shooting.
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