NBA Rumors: Knicks Will Be Thankful If JR Smith Picks Up Player Option in 2013

The New York Knicks pulled off the marquee free-agent signing of the season when they recruited J.R. Smith and signed him with their mini mid-level exception following his stint in China.

Fortunately, the team added a player option to his contract worth a paltry $2.5 million in 2013 and the star bench player wants to accept it, according to Chris Tomasson of FOX Sports.

It would be a steal to get a player that comes off the bench and adds instant offense the way Smith does for such a bargain price.

It might help that he loves the team and grew up in the market.

According to Christopher Hunt of ESPN New York, the 26-year-old shooting guard is considering getting a tattoo relating to the Knicks to add to his already-extensive amount of ink.

If Mike D’Antoni is still around, you can expect him to be pressuring his newfound treasure to stay.

He’s a perfect fit in his system and his ability to shoot the three, finish athletic alley-oops and play decent defense when he’s not gambling for steals are all assets the NYK coach appreciates.

However, if Smith continues to keep playing well, he may forgo his option and choose to hit the open market. There are plenty of teams that will try to entice the eight-year veteran with more money and extended playing time, while the Knicks can offer a promising future and a great system that benefits him, as well as a home arena close to home.

So what will he choose?

We’ll have to wait until the offseason to find out, but the Knicks are definitely front-runners right now.