Knicks Rumors: Jeremy Lin Must Convince Knicks Front Office to Avoid J.R. Smith

We already know the New York Knicks are prepared to roll out the red carpet for Jeremy Lin, but they may need to do more than that—especially when it comes to shaping this roster.

The first step should be sparing J.R. Smith and Knicks fans alike from a relationship that just doesn't make any sense. Though he opted out of the second year of his contract with New York, the hit-or-miss shooting guard is apparently angling to remain with the organization for the long haul.

According to the New York Post's Marc Berman, Smith is just playing his cards strategically:

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The Knicks remain confident he will re-sign with them for the 20-percent raise that is allowable, according to a source. With the raise, Smith can make close to $2.8 million next season on a one-year deal with the Knicks, who don’t have to use their mid-level exception.

Had he opted in, Smith would have made just $2.5 million.

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After another one-year deal with the club, Smith would be eligible for early Bird rights and thus the opportunity to sign a lucrative long-term contract with the Knicks in the summer of 2013.

That's a scary thought and not just because this team already has its share of burdensome contracts. 

Nor is this merely a question of what Smith is worth.

Despite his streaky shot, there is no denying Smith's talent. He's athletic enough to run the floor, and he can shoot from absolutely anywhere. 

Unfortunately, that often means he takes shots he still has no business taking. Smith's decision making is ultimately questionable at both ends of the floor, including defensive sequences where he is prone to lapses in focus and costly fouls.

So, yes, there are shortcomings.

Smith would still be a worthwhile investment for a lot of teams—just not the Knicks.

He's bound to become a distraction in a rotation where he'll never play more than the sixth-man role. Landry Fields and Iman Shumpert will remain this club's primary options on the wing for years to come.

With Shumpert recovering from a torn ACL, there may be some sense to holding on to Smith for this season alone. Shumpert will return eventually, but the added depth wouldn't hurt in the meantime. After that, NYC should either cut ties with Smith or sign and trade him to a better fit.

The Knicks already have enough guys who like to keep the ball in their hands and take more than their fair share of shots. 

If Lin knows what's good for the Knicks and himself alike, he'll use his leverage to bring some semblance of functionality to a roster that desperately needs it.

This club has talent. Now it just needs some chemistry.