Knicks looking into trading JR Smith

J.R. Smith has been a distraction for most of the season, and the New York Knicks are finally looking into trading him.

ESPN’s Marc Stein reports that the Knicks “have begun to explore the potential trade market” for Smith because they have become frustrated with his behavior.

Smith was fined $50,000 on Wednesday for trying to untie the shoelaces of his opponents in the last two games (videos here and here). He was suspended the first five games of the season for a violation of the league’s drug policy. He also was fined $25,000 for sending a hostile tweet to Brandon Jennings.

The Knicks signed JR to a three-year, $18 million contract over the offseason. The deal supposedly included a stipulation that the team would keep JR’s brother, Chris, on the roster, which is why JR was so pissed when Chris was cut. JR then had an operation on his knee after receiving the contract, and he has gone on to have a bad season. He reportedly is having knee issues again.

Smith has always been a questionable character who makes boneheaded moves on and off the court, so none of this should come as a surprise to the Knicks. Mike Woodson said in November that someday no team will want to deal with Smith’s antics. I’m surprised the Knicks have allowed it for this long.