Did J.R. Smith hint that he is planning to leave the New York Knicks, or is he only messing with his Twitter followers?
The reigning Sixth Man of the Year tweeted an ominous message on Friday that seemed to imply that he was leaving the team:
It was fun while it lasted…
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) June 28, 2013
Knowing that his tweet would cause a stir, Smith quickly sent a followup note:
What y'all talking bout? I'm talking bout the talk the cab driver an I just had! #FunnyDude
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) June 28, 2013
Smith is coming off arguably the best season of his career. He averaged a career-best 18.1 points per game as the Knicks’ sixth man. He officially opted out of his contract with the Knicks — he had a $2.9 million player option — to become a free agent. Teams like the Bucks and Pistons are among the many franchises reportedly interested in Smith. The Knicks also may have drafted some insurance on Thursday when they selected Tim Hardaway Jr. in the draft.
Two years ago, Reggie Bush sent a very similar tweet after the New Orleans Saints drafted Mark Ingram. He ended up released and signed with the Miami Dolphins. Perhaps Smith is on his way out of New York.
H/T NY Post via tipster David
