New York Knicks: Why J.R. Smith Will Not Be with the Knicks Next Season

The New York Knicks might find their bench a little shorter next season if J.R. Smith doesn't return to the team for the 2012-13 season. That is certainly a real possibility.

According to Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com, Smith is being pulled in two different directions for next season with one having a major edge over the other.

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A source told ESPN New York that Smith's father, Earl, is going to make a strong case for his son to stay in New York, but "it's very clear that the money is the biggest factor with him."

In fact, when Smith chose the Knicks over the Clippers in mid-February after coming back from China, a source said the Knicks' higher offer ($2.443 million to the Clippers' $1.4 million veteran's minimum) was the deciding factor because he was financially broke. Therefore, Smith will likely opt out and ask for the 20 percent raise. At that point, the ball will be in the Knicks' court to re-sign Smith, who's already said publicly that he wants to return next season.

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So who else is shocked that Smith didn't choose the Knicks because he loved the team or New York?

He stood to make more with the Knicks and promptly took it. If he is truly broke, I don't think there's going to be any hometown discounts.

Smith was a solid scoring option off the bench, but he proved to be streaky. To say the least, it was frustrating to watch him as a Knicks fan when he couldn't buy a bucket during some games.

That's not to mention the amount of turnovers Smith had with his poor dribbling and even worse passing.

Despite all that, he would be a player the Knicks have to replace because he did contribute a good amount off the bench with 12.5 points per game in 35 games.

Would a potential 20 percent pay-raise be enough to satisfy Smith?

Not if he could make double the money, say $5 million for next season from a team with money to spend. And there are teams that will have money to spend with few big names on the market.

Be surprised if you see Smith in a Knicks uniform next year.