NBA Trade Rumors - JR Smith Being Shopped By The Knicks! Rival Executives' Reactions Are Hilarious!
The latest NBA Trade Rumors involve JR Smith of the Knicks. The ensuing reaction is totally expected, but it’s not what New York would like.
JR smith was recently fined $ 50,000 for untying Shawn Marion’s shoelaces. Citing ““recurring instances of unsportsmanlike conduct” (nba.com) which could result in harm/injury to player/players, the Commisioner’s Office did not pull any punches. NBA President of Basketball Operations Rod Thorn himself endorsed the fine as he was in attendance in the Knicks-Pistons game where Smith tried, but failed to untie Greg Monroe’s shoelaces.
Coach Mike Woodson was not pleased. Speaking to ESPN Radio (transcribed in NY Daily News): “I don't know what (the recourse) is going to be at this point, but it's got to stop. I don't condone things that I know you shouldn't do. No, I'm not happy about this “Because again, he was warned, he comes back and he makes the same mistake, and it's not right. I just got the information, I'm going to address it tomorrow when he comes in here for work, because it's unacceptable. It really is.
“It's unprofessional. That's the only word I can use. Or two words. You just can't do that. You just cannot do it.”
Now the Knicks are rumored to be shopping JR Smith. According to CBS, they are having a hard time finding suitors. They gathered some reactions around the league:
"Good luck with that!"
"I hear Shanghai has a spot,"
On the question, which team would be interested in acquiring Smith: "Erie?" (Referring to D-League Team Erie Bayhawks where JR Smith’s brother Chris Smith was assigned).
ESPN also reported the development, and they place the possible trade in perspective: “Smith can't be traded until Jan. 15 because the Knicks are over the salary cap and Smith signed for more than 120 percent of his previous salary. The Knicks, furthermore, privately acknowledge that it will be difficult in the current climate to trade Smith, who has two seasons left after this one on a three-year, $18 million contract.”
JR Smith, on his part, has apologized on Twitter. It is presumed that it is about his latest transgression (shoelace) but perhaps he also wanted to include everything: the bonehead plays, the ‘thug tweets’ the abysmal field goal percentage. Basically the entire season.
Huge apologies to my team, to the league an most of all you the fans! #JRSmithSigningOff
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) January 8, 2014
More reaction tweets:
*screams from the mountaintop* "ANYONE WANT THIS GUY JR SMITH?" *crickets* *sound of leaves* *drop of water echoing from far away* — netw3rk (@netw3rk) January 8, 2014
Knicks: "We'll trade you JR Smith." Other team: "Um, I guess we'll give you a pair of shoe laces for him."
— Robin Lundberg (@robinlundberg) January 8, 2014