JR Smith's maturity level has always been put into question. The guard has been suspended several times by the league. He has said numerous things on social media that have landed him in hot water. Now, a recent scandal involving shoe laces is leaving the New York Knicks with no other choice but to attempt a trade.
Smith was fined $50,000 by the NBA for "recurring instances of unsportsmanlike conduct." The Knicks guard began pulling stunts of untying opponent's shoelaces at the free-throw line. That fine was not necessarily what pushed the Knicks over the edge, but it has left them fed up with the behavior being displayed by Smith.
ESPN.com reports that sources close to the team believe the Knicks will begin actively shopping the guard before the NBA trade deadline. Head coach Mike Woodson told ESPN New York 98.7 that he is extremely frustrated with Smith and believed his behavior to be unacceptable.
"I'm not happy about this, because he was warned, he comes back and he makes the same mistake, and it's not right," Woodson said. "It's just got to stop. I keep saying this every time something pops up, but it's got to stop. It's unprofessional about how he's approached this whole thing. Something's gotta be done. It has to stop. I'll address it tomorrow when I see him, and then we'll go from there."
Smith took to Twitter to issue an apology to his teammates and the league for his recent stunts, but that is not going to be enough to save his future in New York. Smith cannot be traded until Jan. 15 due to the Knicks' salary cap. He has two more years and $18 million remaining on a three-year contract. His stats are down last year after being named Sixth Man of the Year as he is shooting just 32.3 percent from the field, averaging 11.3 points as a starter. Pair that with his drug suspensions and a trade of Smith will be tough.
Is there a team interested in Smith? Several teams have been in the market for shooting guards. Both the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings have taken interest in Andre Miller who is on the market. They are looking to add depth and Smith could return to being a productive bench player if signed by either team. The Denver Nuggets could show interest if they get rid of Miller.
The Knicks can try and shop Smith all they want, but interest will be slim. Struggling play is one thing, immaturity is something bigger.
