J.R. Smith ‘Absolutely’ Feels the Knicks Discarded Him

After helping the Cleveland Cavaliers reach the NBA Finals, J.R. Smith posted an Instagram image of him and teammate Iman Shumpert with the caption: “One Man’s Trash. Another Man’s Treasure.”

It was a reference to his trade from the New York Knicks, which Smith was initially hurt by.

In the end, J.R. realized he was being freed from a terrible situation and is now playing for a title.

Per the NY Post:

Asked if the post indicated he felt discarded, Smith said, “Absolutely, to hear I was a throw-in to the trade just to get you off the books and for us to go over there and thrive, I think that’s absolutely how I feel.”

 

The Knicks pawned off Smith to create $6 million more in cap space this summer and now he’s playing like the Sixth Man of the Year — an award he won in 2013. There was a report the Cavs were forced to take Smith otherwise the Knicks wouldn’t give up Shumpert, which sources have indicated is exaggerated.

 

Smith’s buddy Carmelo Anthony still is in his ear. […] “I’ve been talking to him more now than when we were in New York,” Smith said.