Knicks Rumors: 3 Players in Danger of Being Cut If New York Signs JR Smith

With the New York Knicks reportedly closing in on J.R. Smith, a few players on the Knicks' roster are in danger of being cut.

Frank Isola of the New York Daily News tweeted on Thursday:

But who will be the odd man out in New York?

Isola listed Mike Bibby, Renaldo Balkman and Toney Douglas as the players most likely to get the axe.

Here's a look at who I see ultimately being cut if the Knicks sign Smith.

3. Toney Douglas, G

With Jeremy Lin's emergence, the Knicks all of a sudden have little use for Toney Douglas, who has played a grand total of six-and-a-half minutes in the Knicks' last five games.

Douglas wasn't exactly lighting up the scoreboard or being a dynamic playmaker before Lin exploded. He's shooting 31 percent for the season and averaging 2.2 assists in 20 minutes per game.

In that sense, Douglas could be cut.

However, I don't think he's the most likely. The Knicks would still like some depth at the guard spots and Douglas would provide that for them.

2. Renaldo Balkman, PF

In his entire career with the Knicks, the most minutes Renaldo Balkman has averaged in a season has been a little under 16, in his rookie year.

He's averaging 8.2 minutes per game this season for New York.

But Balkman is an athletic, high energy player who brings something off the bench. He also adds some defense with his rebounding and shot-blocking ability.

I think the Knicks hold onto him.

1. Mike Bibby, PG

Although the Knicks would prefer some depth behind Lin for now, Mike Bibby is 33 years old and clearly declining.

He's shooting 27 percent from the field and 26 percent from downtown and he's lost the little athleticism that he once had.

That kind of production just can't be dragged around on a team looking ahead to the postseason.

I think Bibby will be the odd man out if the Knicks sign J.R. Smith.