Report: Knicks Close to Signing JR Smith

With JR Smith finally back in the United States from China, the word is that he is likely to join the Linsanity. From the NY Daily News: “Jeremy Lin will soon have to learn to play with Carmelo Anthony, as well as one of Anthony’s former Denver Nuggets teammate. The Knicks are closing in on a deal to sign free agent shooting guard J.R. Smith, the Daily News has learned. Smith began the season in China, but has been eyeing a return to the NBA once the lockout ended. Smith’s agent, Leon Rose, met with Garden Chairman James Dolan following Wednesday’s Knicks’ win over Sacramento to finalize a contract. It is believed that Smith, who has also attracted the interest of the Clippers, will receive the Knicks’ $2.5 million exception. Rose also represents Anthony, who has lobbied the club to add Smith, an explosive scorer who can also be erratic at times. He has averaged 12.5 points per game over seven NBA seasons.”