J.R. Smith Arrested In Miami, According To Report

According to a report, New York Knicks guard, J.R. Smith, was arrested on Thursday night. Smith was arrested on a warrant for not having a driver's license, according to jail records.

Smith was reportedly stopped on Washington Avenue, but the reason for the stop is unknown.

Seth at Posting and Toasting further investigated J.R. Smith's Twitter, to which he found multiple retweets following the arrest. ESPN New York later reported that Smith was out on bail.

Smith signed with the Knicks mid-season, after spending time playing in China during the NBA Lockout. He averaged 12.5 points off the bench.

For more on the Knicks, please be sure to check out our blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

2012 All-NBA Teams Announced: Tyson Chandler, Carmelo Anthony Named To Third Team

The NBA announced the 2012 All-NBA teams on Thursday, with Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler both being named to the third team.

Anthony averaged 22.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Chandler, the Defensive Player of the Year, contributed 11.3 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.

The two New York Knicks stars are joined on the third team by Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki.

LeBron James led the voting with 596 points. The do-it-all Miami Heat forward is joined on the first team by Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul and Dwight Howard.

The second team consists of Kevin Love, Blake Griffin, Andrew Bynum and Russell Westbrook.

Deron Williams of the New Jersey Nets was among those receiving votes.

View the entire voting at NBA.com.

For more on the Knicks, please be sure to check out our blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

New York Knicks Free Agency Rumors 2012: Lamar Odom Has Knicks Atop Wish List

As soon as the Dallas Mavericks part ways with Lamar Odom -- the question is not if, but how they will get rid of him -- the versatile forward will reportedly have plenty of interest in the New York Knicks.

ESPN reports that New York is on top of Odom's list if he becomes a free agent.

"Lamar is big on being comfortable," the source said. "And New York is somewhere he can be comfortable."

The Mavericks will look into trading Odom, who is guaranteed $2.4 million next season. If they don't find any takers, they are likely to waive him. After a disappointing season which started with the trade to Dallas and ended when he and the Mavericks mutually agreed for him to leave the team, Odom is expected to make significantly less on the free agent market than the $8.2 million he could have made this season.

For more on the Knicks, please be sure to check out our blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

2012 NBA All-Defensive Teams Announced: Tyson Chandler, NBA Defensive Player Of The Year, Makes Second Team

Tyson Chandler was named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year, but somehow he did not make the NBA All-Defensive First Team. The New York Knicks center was named to the Second Team, as voted by the league's coaches.

Players received two points for a First Team vote and one point for a Second Team vote. LeBron James led the way with 53 points, including 24 votes for his inclusion on the first team, more than any other player. He was joined on the First Team by Serge Ibaka, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Tony Allen. Ibaka and Allen both made the First Team for the first time.

In addition to Chandler, who led the Second Team in voting, the Second Team included Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Kobe Bryant and Luol Deng. Chandler received more points (36) than either Paul or Allen, but made the Second Team because the balloting is based on position.

For more on the Knicks, please be sure to check out our blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

2012 NBA All-Rookie First Team: Iman Shumpert Among Seven Voted By Coaches

New York Knicks guard Iman Shumpert was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team on Tuesday, as voted by the league's coaches.

Shumpert averaged 9.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists while often taking the responsibility of guarding the opposition's best player. His year was cut short by a torn ACL during New York's first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat, leaving the Knicks with a woefully thin back court for the remainder of the series.

The other players to join Shumper on the First Team are Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets, Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors, Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs and Brandon Knight of the Detroit Pistons.

The Nets' MarShon Brooks was named to the Second Team alongside Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Isaiah Thomas of the Sacramento Kings, Chandler Parsons of the Houston Rockets and Tristan Thompson of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

For more on the Knicks, please be sure to check out our blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

NBA Rookie Of The Year 2012: Kyrie Irvin Earns Award, Iman Shumpert Finishes 5th In Voting

Phil Jackson Could Be Offered Huge Deal To Coach New York Knicks, According To Report

Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire have both supported New York Knicks coach Mike Woodson, giving their votes of confidence to the interim coach who helped turn around the Knickerbockers' season. But regardless of how well Woodson coaches, rumors will fly that the Knicks want a bigger-name coach to take over after this season.

The latest rumor sounds a little far-fetched, if only for the amount of money the Knicks are reportedly prepared to offer Phil Jackson. According to the Racine Journal-Times, the Knicks are willing to offer Jackson an enormous contract if they are knocked out in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

If the Knicks don't advance beyond the first round of the playoffs, I'm hearing they'll make a major -- repeat, major -- push to lure legendary coach Phil Jackson out of retirement. With money being no object, the scuttlebutt is the Knicks brass may offer the 'Zen Master' a four-year, $50 million deal.

For more on the Knicks, please be sure to check out our blog Posting And Toasting aliong with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Amare Stoudemire Injury Update: Knicks Forward Could Return This Weekend?

The New York Knicks could be bolstered by the return of forward Amare Stoudemire, reportedly likely by the weekend, if he returns this week (via ESPN NY).

Stoudemire will definitely not play on Tuesday against the Celtics. However, he may be back in the lineup by Friday against the Cavaliers or Sunday against the Hawks.

Stoudemire has been out since March 24 with a back injury. He had an epidural on March 29 and returned to practice with his Knicks teammates last Thursday.

Interim Knicks head coach Mike Woodson did not sound as optimistic last week as the sources referred to by ESPN New York.

"I've got to think that the doctors and Amare are on the same page in terms of where he is," Woodson said last week. "When they tell me he's ready to go he'll be right back in the starting lineup, where I expect him to be."

Without Stoudemire, the Knicks are 7-4. Stoudemire is second on the team in scoring (17.6 points per game) and rebounding (8.0 per game) this season.

For more on the Knicks, be sure to check out our blog Posting And Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the news and updates.

John Calipari 'Not High' On New York Knicks' List Of Head Coaching Candidates, According To Report

Mike Woodson is doing his best to be retained as the New York Knicks' head coach after his interim title disappears following this season. But the Knicks certainly could still decide to make a sexier hire from outside the organization.

If they do, reports the New York Post, don't expect it to be John Calipari.

Marc Berman of the Post reports that signs indicate that Calipari "is not high on the Knicks' list." The current Kentucky head coach just won his first national title and would certainly be a higher-profile hire than Woodson.

But the Knicks are now 12-4 under Woodson despite injuries to Amare Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin, and the organization likely has reservations about the way Calipari's first professional coaching stint unfolded -- he went 72-112 in two seasons and change with the New Jersey Nets, getting fired after starting his third season 3-17.

For more on the Knicks, be sure to check out our blog Posting And Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the news and updates.

Amar'e Stoudemire Injury Update: Big Man Returning To Practice Saturday

New York Knicks coach Mike Woodson said Amar'e Stoudemire will return to practice on Saturday and scrimmage with his teammates, but the star power forward will not return to the Knicks lineup when they meet the Miami Heat on Sunday.

Woodson noted that Stoudemire scrimmaged with several of the Knicks on Thursday during the team's day off, but the big man is not expected to return against the Heat or during New York's following game on Tuesday against the Boston Celtics.

"He looked good, but until he and the doctors say they are ready to go, it's still day-to-day,'' Woodson said. "I'll keep close eyes on him."

Stoudemire's return could very well come against the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday, according to the New York Post. That would be three weeks after Stoudemire's steroid injection on March 28. Stoudemire was initially given a two-to-four-week timetable from that day.

For more on the Knicks, be sure to check out our blog Posting And Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the news and updates.

John Calipari To The New York Knicks?: Let The Rumors Begin!

Jeremy Lin Injury Update: Lin Could Be Back Sooner Than Expected

Just when it appeared Jeremy Lin was lost to the New York Knicks for the rest of the regular season and perhaps beyond with a torn meniscus in his knee there appears to be hope. Does 'Linsanity' include magical fast-healing ability?

The timetable originally given was six weeks after surgery, putting the new star out until around the middle of May and presumably the second round of the NBA playoffs.

However, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Lin might be able to return within two weeks if everything goes perfectly.

Berman spoke with Dr. Wellington Hsu, an orthopedic surgeon who feels Lin could be back before the regular season ends.

"If they don’t see anything else wrong in surgery, just see the tear, typically you can get back in the NFL in two to four weeks and I’ve seen NBA players get back within that period,’’ Hsu told The Post. "That’s assuming there are no surprises.’’

This would obviously be a huge break for the Knicks who are already missing Amare Stoudemire for an extended period due to his back ailment.

New York leads the Milwaukee Bucks for the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference by just 2 1/2 games with 13 contests remaining.

For more on the Knicks, be sure to check out our blog Posting And Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the news and updates.

Jeremy Lin Injury Update: Knicks Point Guard Out Six Weeks With Small Meniscal Tear

According to Howard Beck of the New York Times, New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin is out six weeks with a small tear in his knee.

Jeremy Lin is out 6 weeks w/small,chronic meniscal tear in knee, team says

— Howard Beck (@HowardBeckNYT) March 31, 2012

Knicks head coach, Mike Woodson, said "It's a big blow", referring to the loss of Lin, who's reportedly headed for arthroscopic knee surgery.

Lin had missed the previous three games for the Knicks with what was being called a "sore knee". The Knicks went 2-1 in those games, but lost by 10 to the Hawks on Friday.

"Linsanity" has died down quite a bit since his inception, but this is still a huge loss for the Knicks, who are fighting to fend off the Milwaukee Bucks for the last spot in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Lin is averaging 14.6 points and 6.1 assists per game. The Knicks are also without the services of Amare Stoudemire and Jared Jeffries for at least the next couple of weeks.

-- For more on the Knicks, be sure to check out our blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the latest updates and news.

Jeremy Lin Injury Update: Knicks Hoping For April 3 Return

New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin has reportedly been ruled out of Friday night's meeting with the Atlanta Hawks due to a sore left knee, and now it seems that he is expected to miss the following game as well.

A Knicks spokesman told ESPN New York's Ian Begley that the team is hoping Lin returns for the two-game road trip beginning on April 3, which means that Lin is likely to miss Saturday's meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Linsanity has already been put on hold for the past two games, both wins. Baron Davis has stepped into Lin's vacated starting spot and has averaged 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists during Lin's absence, far more than his season averages of 5.6 points, 5.1 assists and 2.2 rebounds.

For more on the Knicks, be sure to check out our blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the latest updates and news.

Jeremy Lin Injury Update: Point Guard OUT Against Hawks

According to Alan Hahn of the MSG Network, Jeremy Lin is out for Friday's game against the Hawks.

RT @NYPost_Berman: Jeremy is out.

— Alan Hahn (@alanhahn) March 30, 2012

Lin has missed the last two games with a sore left knee – both Knicks' wins. They have won three straight games and eight of their last nine since head coach, Mike D'Antoni's, resignation.

Iman Shumpert and Baron Davis were the Knicks' staring guards in their recent smashing of the Orlando Magic. Shumpert responded with a career-high 25 points in his second consecutive start due to injures to Lin, along with A'mare Stoudemire. Davis finished the game with 11 points (on seven shots), adding seven rebounds and six assists, while turning the ball over twice.

Linsanity has tempted considerably since its inception, as has Lin's play, but he's remained adequate, averaging over 14 points and six assists over his last 10 games. On the downside, he's shooting 41 percent and turning the ball over four times per game.

For more on the Knicks, be sure to check out our blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the latest updates and news.

Amare Stoudemire Injury Update: Knicks Forward Could Still Need Offseason Surgery After Treatment

New York Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire may need offseason surgery even if the epidural steroid injection he needs can get him back on the court in time for the playoffs, should the Knicks qualify (via NY Post).

The New York Post cited doctor Wellington Hsu on Stoudemire's back issue, a bulging disc. Hsu said

"Even temporary relief from such an injection is enough for the player to return to the court,'' Hsu said.

Hsu also said the epidural could allow Stoudemire to return to the court in as little as 10 days, although it would be risky. Hsu said the reason that Stoudemire may still need surgery is that the injection only deals with nerve root inflammation and not the bulging disc.

One bit of news that could be concerning or not for Knicks fans depending on their outlook of medical studies: in Hsu's studies of NBA players with bulging disc injuries, 86 percent have successfully returned to game action.

For more on the Knicks, be sure to check out our blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Carmelo Anthony: Knicks Right 'A Very Fun Time'

Amare Stoudemire Injury Update: Stoudemire Needs An Epidural Shot And 2-4 Weeks Of Rehab

The New York Knicks got some bad news this morning, albeit some that they were expecting.

Amare Stoudemire will need an epidural shot to fix the bulging disk in his back, followed by two-to-four weeks of rehab, according to Howard Beck via Twitter.

New York needs this process to go smoothly. If Stoudemire misses more than four weeks, that cuts into a potential playoff series, provided the Knicks get that far.

Stoudemire has had a tough season all around this year. He's only averaging 17.6 points and eight rebounds per game. He's never had worse rebounding numbers and only had a lower scoring average in his rookie season (not including 2005-06 when he only played three games).

Without him, New York will have to use Josh Harrellson more off the bench and hope Tyson Chandler can stay out of foul trouble.

However, there could be a silver lining in all of this. If the Knicks do reach the postseason maybe Stoudemire will have his legs at full strength after resting, something that hasn't been the case all year.

For more on the Knicks, be sure to check out our blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Jeremy Lin Injury Update: Lin Questionable For Wednesday With Sore Knee

Jeremy Lin couldn't play in Monday night's 89-80 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks due to a sore knee. Now, he's questionable once again for Wednesday's game against the Orlando Magic, according to ESPN.com.

Lin was missed even in the win a few days ago, with Baron Davis not being able to jump start the offense in a similar fashion. However, Lin knows it's important not to rush back.

"I just want to make sure when I come back that I'm 100 percent," Lin said.

With just a two game lead on ninth-place Milwaukee and only three games behind Philadelphia for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, every game is crucial for the New York Knicks. Lin's return coupled with Carmelo Anthony being able to play tonight would obviously be a huge boon for New York's chances of winning.

The Knicks need to step up and hope Lin can get back on the court sooner rather than later with Dwight Howard and co. coming to Madison Square Garden.

For more on the Knicks, be sure to check out our blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Carmelo Anthony Injury Update: Melo Hopes To Play Wednesday After Injuring Groin

After leading the New York Knicks to a 89-80 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night, Carmelo Anthony is questionable for Wednesday's showdown with the Orlando Magic.

Anthony hurt himself in the second half against Milwaukee en route to a team-high 28 points, and while he returned to action in the fourth quarter he was noticeably hampered.

According to ESPN.com, Anthony is looking to be smart about the injury going forward.

"I don't think it's too bad; I just want to take it day by day," Anthony said. "Tomorrow, (I'll) get re-evaluated and see what happens from there."

The Knicks desperately need Anthony in the lineup with Amare Stoudemire out indefinitely with a bulging disk, Jared Jeffries still on the shelf with a sore knee and Jeremy Lin questionable for the game for a knee problem as well.

"A situation like this requires me to step my game up a little bit more, take it up a notch," Anthony said. "I love moments like this."

For more on the Knicks, be sure to check out our blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.

Knicks Injury Updates: Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, Jeremy Lin

Carmelo Anthony said today that the groin injury he suffered Monday night against the Milwaukee Bucks is “not nearly as bad as it was the first time.” Anthony did not, however, commit to playing Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic.

The Knicks desperately need a healthy, productive Anthony at this point. Star forward Amare Stoudemire is out indefinitely and is getting a second opinion today on the bulging disc in his back, and point guard Jeremy Lin may sit again Wednesday to rest his ailing knee. The Knicks are also without backup center Jared Jeffries, who is dealing with after-affects from knee surgery.

New York (25-25) is now 2.5 games ahead of Milwaukee for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with 16 games remaining.

After Wednesday the Knicks are off until Sunday, when they will host the Chicago Bulls.

— See Posting and Toasting for more discussion and analysis of the Knicks.

Carmelo Anthony Injury Update: Groin Injury Could Sideline 'Melo

The last thing the already-hobbled New York Knicks need right now is for Carmelo Anthony to miss time with an injury. Anthony, though, might be joining the ever-growing list of Knicks sitting in street clothes.

Anthony scored 28 points during Monday’s critical victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, but did much of it in obvious discomfort after aggravating a groin injury. Anthony missed seven games earlier this season with the injured groin, and his status for Wednesday’s game against the Orlando Magic has yet to be determined.

“I don’t think it’s too bad; I just want to take it day by day," Anthony said. “Tomorrow, [I’ll] get re-evaluated and see what happens from there.”

Amare Stoudemire is already out indefinitely with a back injury, Jared Jeffries is out for two weeks due to issues with his surgically repaired knee, and Jeremy Lin missed Monday’s game with knee soreness.

The last thing the Knicks can afford right now is for Anthony join them on the sidelines.

Jeremy Lin Injury Update: Knee Injury Sidelines Linsanity Against Bucks

New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin will not be playing on Monday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Lin is out tonight (knee). Baron starting. Shumpert also starting, with Fields at the 3. #knicks

— Mark Hale (@HaleMark) March 26, 2012

Lin will join forward Amar'e Stoudemire and backup center Jared Jeffries as being out with injuries for tonight's game. Lin's right knee is sore and he is listed as day-to-day. Stoudemire is out indefinitely while he undergoes non-surgical treatment of a bulging disc in his back. Lin did take part in Monday's workout after sitting out the fourth quarter of New York's win over Detroit on Saturday.

Lin leads the Knicks with 6.1 assists per game this season. Lin is also third on the Knicks in scoring with 14.6 points per game and second on the team in steals (1.57 steals per game).

-- To follow the Knicks throughout the season, follow SB Nation New York's StoryStream.

Amare Stoudemire Injury Update: Knicks Forward Out 'Indefinitely', Will Undergo Non-Surgical Treatment

The New York Knicks announced on Monday that forward Amare Stoudemire will be out indefinitely while he undergoes non-surgical treatment for a bulging disc in his back.

Amar'e will undergo non-surgical treatment on a bulging disk in his back and is out "indefinitely," the #Knicks announce.

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 26, 2012

Knicks interim head coach Mike Woodson was not certain that Stoudemire could return for the playoffs.

Woodson on whether Amar'e would be ready for the playoffs. "Don't know, don't know." #Knicks

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 26, 2012

Stoudemire averages 17.6 points, 8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game in 33.2 minutes per game for the Knicks this season. He is second on the team in scoring and rebounding this season. With the loss of Stoudemire, the Knicks are starting a three-guard lineup Monday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.

To follow the Knicks throughout the season, follow SB Nation New York's StoryStream.

Amare Stoudemire Injury Update: Back MRI Monday For Knicks Star

The New York Knicks have won five out of six games since Mike Woodson received a promotion to head coach, but a shadow is lurking behind the current success.

Amare Stoudemire, who was hindered by back issues during the 2011 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics and didn't play for three months during the offseason due to the same issues, will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine whether he has a similar injury now, according to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News.

Stoudemire is considered a gametime decision for Monday night's meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks, but his status certainly hinges on the results of the MRI. The power forward left Saturday's victory against the Detroit Pistons with stiffness in his back, but told reporters it was "nothing to worry about."

The Knicks, who are fighting for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference, are already without Jared Jeffries, who will miss the next two weeks with an inflamed knee.

Baron Davis Injury Update: Veteran Guard Won't Play Saturday

Just when Baron Davis’ game was rounding into shape, and opportunity was knocking for him, the veteran guard left Friday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers with a strained hamstring.

Davis will not play Saturday when the Knicks travel to Indiana for the second game of a home-and-home set. He believes he “should be all right in a couple of days.”

Davis missed the first seven weeks of the season with a back injury and has averaged 4.5 points and 5.6 assists since his return.

His playing time has been expected to increase with Mike Woodson having taken over from Mike D’Antoni as head coach

“It’s very frustrating,” Davis said. “We were in a good groove and I was in a good groove, finally.”

Some have speculated Woodson might even replace starting point guard Jeremy Lin with Davis — something Woodson has said won’t happen.

One thing we know for sure — it can’t happen while Davis can’t play.

Knicks Trade Rumors: Toney Douglas Being Shopped Around

After falling out of favor with head coach Mike D'Antoni, Toney Douglas has been riding the bench for a few months and is now the subject of trade rumors.

With Thursday's trade deadline rapidly approaching, ESPN's Jared Zwerling reports that the New York Knicks are shopping Douglas in search of anything to help this underachieving team.

Douglas should have some value on the market. He could be a starting guard for a bad to mediocre team and definite quality depth for a contender. He's an excellent defender who can shoot from beyond the arc and has a very affordable deal.

New York would love to pick up some help on the interior, but that type of player is hard to come by.

It's a tough spot for the Knicks right now, who perhaps aren't even sure who the coach will be by Thursday. If they lose to Portland on Wednesday night, all bets are off on that subject.

For more on the Knicks, be sure to check out SB Nation's blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all your needs.

Bill Walker Injury Update: Forward Out 4-6 Weeks Due To Elbow Surgery

Bill Walker will miss the next four to six weeks as he will undergo left elbow debridement surgery, the New York Knicks announced Sunday. The news was initially tweeted by Tina Cervasio, Knicks courtside reporter.

Walker, a 6-foot-6 forward, was averaging 6.1 points and 2.7 rebounds per game this season. He started eight games for the Knicks earlier in the season, but has been relegated to the sidelines recently by the signing of J.R. Smith and the emergence of sharp-shooting Steve Novak.

Walker last played on Feb. 17. He has not made an appearance in any of the Knicks last five games.

Walker is in his fourth NBA season, and has been with the Knicks since midway through the 2009-2010 season after beginning his career with the Boston Celtics. He averages 5.8 points and 2.1 rebounds per game for his career.

-- See SB Nation's Posting and Toasting for more discussion and analysis of the Knicks

J.R. Smith Free Agency: Knicks Stalked (Er, Recruited) Smith Heavily

The most inspired recruiting pitch since Jesus Shuttlesworth's trip to Big State? Perhaps not, but the New York Knicks certainly applied the full court press on J.R. Smith in a (successful) attempt to convince the high-scoring reserve to take his talents to the Big Apple.

The Oregonian's John Canzano has the details of the Knicks' feverish pursuit of Smith, which began as soon as his airplane touched down in the United States.

Things got so interesting Thursday that Smith hopped a plane from China to LAX, arriving at the airport in the late afternoon, where he was intercepted, his camp said, by a representative for the Knicks. Smith was apparently headed later in the evening to Las Vegas, and according to a source in Smith's family, the Knicks bought a ticket for their guy and sent him along, too.

Tom Ziller calls the Knicks' pitch "Cold War tactics." Others might call it insane. Tom-ay-toes, tom-ah-toes. Either way, it worked.

Some might have been put off by being stalked at the airport, but Smith confirmed via Twitter that he will accept New York's offer, which is reported to be worth $4.3 million over two years.

For more Knicks coverage, visit our team page or our blog Posting and Toasting.

J.R. Smith Free Agency Rumors: New York Knicks Contract Includes Second-Year Player Option, According To Report

The contract J.R. Smith is expected to sign with the New York Knicks is reportedly worth $4.3 million over two seasons, with a second-year player option of $2.5 million, according to a report from Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Smith, the former Denver Nugget who signed in China during the lockout, tweeted earlier Friday that he had settled on joining the Knicks after listening to overtures from a number of other clubs, likely including the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, and Indiana Pacers.

Playing in New York is always attractive and Smith is very familiar with Carmelo Anthony after being teammates in Denver, but it's possible the deal came down to money. The Knicks were able to offer Smith a salary exception that most other suitors could not.

Smith, who has averaged 12.5 points per game for his career, is an offensively-minded player capable of lighting up the scoreboard, but he can also frustrate coaches with poor decision-making and wavering focus.

For more Knicks coverage, visit our team page or our blog Posting and Toasting.

J.R. Smith To Sign With Knicks, According To Report

Free agent guard J.R. Smith, who elected to play in China during the NBA lockout, is returning to the NBA with the New York Knicks, according to a report and as posted on his Twitter account. To make room for Smith, the Knicks will release forward Renaldo Balkman, a former first-round draft pick.

The move to acquire Smith has long been speculated for the Knicks, who have sought an additional outside shooter and capable scorer off the bench. Smith should provide just that, with a career scoring average of 12.5 points per game. On April 13, 2009, Smith made 11 3-pointers as part of his career-high 45-point night against the Sacramento Kings, just one shy of tying the NBA record.

Smith was unable to return to the NBA until the conclusion of his Chinese team's season, but has drawn numerous suitors upon his return. Other teams interested in the former Nugget and Hornet include the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, and Indiana Pacers.

It is believed that Smith will be paid the prorated amount of a $2.5 million salary cap exception the Knicks hold.

Smith should be in uniform on Sunday when the Knicks host the Dallas Mavericks.

For more Knicks coverage, visit our team page or our blog Posting and Toasting.

J.R. Smith Free Agency Rumors: Guard Confirms He Is Near A Deal With Knicks

Free agent J.R. Smith has confirmed that he is working on a deal that would send him to the New York Knicks.

I just spoke to J.R. Smith. He confirmed that he's nearing a deal with the New York Knicks.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 16, 2012

Earlier today it was reported that the Knicks and Smith were closing in on a deal. Smith had been in China during the NBA lockout playing for a team in the Chinese Basketball Association. He had to wait on Feb. 15 after the Chinese season was over to sign in the NBA.

Smith had spent the last five NBA seasons with the Nuggets. Last season he averaged 12.3 points per game, 4.1 rebounds per game and 2.2 assists per game. Smith shoots 37.1% from behind the arc for his career.

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J.R. Smith Free Agency Rumors: New York Knicks Closing In On Deal

The New York Knicks are closing in on a deal to acquire free agent wing J.R. Smith, according to a report from Frank Isola of the New York Daily News.

Because the Knicks are at the 15-player roster limit, they will need to cut someone to make room for Smith. Assume that it won't be Jeremy Lin. The high-scoring, low-conscience Smith spent the first half of the NBA season playing in China, where he signed during the NBA lockout without an out clause.

Smith, 26, spent the last five seasons of his NBA career with the Denver Nuggets, fluctuating in and out of George Karl's doghouse while doubling as one of the NBA's most potent bench scorers. On his best days, Smith can fill up the bucket at a clip reserved for very few. On his worst days, Smith can leave coaches with their heads in their hands as he fires up contested jumpers and makes a string of ill-advised decisions.

During the 2010-11 season, Smith averaged 12.3 points and 4.1 rebounds on 43.5 percent shooting and 39.0 percent from behind the arc. His other suitors include the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers.

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Jonny Flynn Rumors: Knicks Interest In Former Syracuse Guard?

With injuries to star forward Carmelo Anthony and veteran point guard Baron Davis the New York Knicks are looking to acquire a player that can help them out right away, and they might have found their guy in Houston Rockets guard Jonny Flynn.

According to ESPN.com's Chris Broussard, the Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers are both interested in trading for the former Syracuse Orange guard, who had some magical moments at Madison Square Garden during his collegiate years.

"No deal is imminent with either team, but both clubs are in desperate need of a point guard and have Flynn on their radar, said Broussard.

"The Knicks have shown the most interest, sources say, and discussed a possible deal involving Renaldo Balkman and Mike Bibby. The Rockets were not interested."

The Rockets, who has featured Flynn in the line up just seven times this year, are having a hard time finding playing time for Flynn because he's stuck behind young guard Kyle Lowry. In late January, Houston declined to pick up a fourth-year option on Flynn's contract. Flynn will now become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

Last summer, Flynn was traded to the Rockets from the Minnesota Timberwolves, who selected Flynn and Spanish guard Ricky Rubio in the early rounds of the 2009 NBA Draft.

In Minnesota, Flynn struggled 13.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game but suffered a hip injury in his sophomore year and when struggled the fans called for Ricky Rubio. In an interview with Minnesota's Pioneer Press, Flynn admitted he let that talk get to his head.

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New York Knicks Rumors: Kenyon Martin Headed To Los Angeles Clippers, According To Report

The New York Knicks are playing like a team that needs plenty of help, but the assistance they require will not come from Kenyon Martin.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the free agent forward, who was recently released by FIBA from his Chinese Basketball Association contract, has agreed to sign a mini mid-level deal to play for the Los Angeles Clippers. The contract should be finalized as soon as Martin passes a physical, an NBA source told the Times.

Martin averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds with the Denver Nuggets last season, and should provide the relatively thin Clippers front court with an aggressive presence at both ends of the floor.

Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the CBA is attempting to block Martin from returning to the NBA immediately, claiming that he has not yet fulfilled his contractual obligations and that the clearance letter FIBA provided should be retracted. Martin's contract stipulated that he could not sign with any NBA team until his Chinese team's season ended, even though Martin was released early in the Chinese season.

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New York Knicks Free Agency Rumors: FIBA Clears Kenyon Martin, Knicks Reported Suitor

Former Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin has been received a letter of clearance from FIBA and is now available to sign with the NBA team of his choice, according to an Adrian Wojnarowski report.

Although Martin was released from his Chinese team months ago, his contract obligated him to wait until after the Chinese Basketball Association had finished to sign in the NBA. But sources told Wojnarowski an appeal to FIBA resulted in a letter of clearance that allows Martin out of his contract two weeks earlier than expected. Martin could survey his options and sign somewhere as early as this weekend.

Martin, a power forward who averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds last season in Denver, figures to draw plenty of free agent interest. Wojnarowski reports that he is visiting Atlanta Thursday and is also expected to entertain offers from the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. Martin's agent told ESPN.com that the power forward has already received an offer from the Heat.

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Dwight Howard To Knicks? Orlando Magic Reportedly Float The Possibility

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is reporting that the Orlando Magic have inquired about the possibility of sending Dwight Howard to the New York Knicks in exchange for Tyson Chander and Amare Stoudemire.

“I will preface my statement by telling you that [the Magic] have categorically denied this, but my sources tell me that they have inquired about Tyson Chandler and Amar’e Stoudemire going to Orlando for Dwight Howard,” Smith said.

Howard, the Magic center, can be a free agent at the end of this season. He has been rumored as possibly going to the New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and now the Knicks. Of course, the Magic are still trying to re-sign their franchise center long-term.

Howard is a better player than either Chandler or Stoudemire, but this seems more like the Magic asking than the Knicks actually pursuing a move for Howard. Still, worth thinking about.

Steve Nash On Rumors of Move To The Knicks: 'I'm Happily With The Suns'

The New York Knicks reportedly remain interested in acquiring veteran point guard Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns, but he continues to indicate that he's happy in Phoenix, despite the team's sluggish start.

"I'm still with the Suns and happily with the Suns. I've put everything I have into trying to turn this thing around and trying to see what we can do to get ourselves in back into contention. To be honest, with this condensed season, I've put all my focus into preparing to play every day." -- Nash, after Phoenix' 91-88 win on Wednesday night in New York

The Knicks, who entered the truncated 2011-2012 NBA season with championship aspirations, have struggled in the absence of a true point guard, relying mostly upon rookie Iman Shumpert and second-year player Toney Douglas. Both have displayed varying levels of promise, but neither brings Nash's offering to the table.

Nash understands the Knicks' woes, and acknowledged how coach Mike D'Antoni has struggled to deal with the point guard situation.

"He's in a tough position, you know. They’ve constantly changed and brought in new people, and now he's got all these new pieces. He hasn't really had the point guard he wanted, and hopefully Baron [Davis] will get healthy. They gave away their point guard to get Tyson [Chandler] and fill up their frontcourt and have another guy to guard the interior, and now they’re waiting for Baron to get healthy. So that's tough. It's tough not to have that balanced, full roster, so I do feel for them."

Baron Davis isn't expected to return for several weeks due to a back issue, and speculation surrounding Nash to the Knicks will likely continue through the March 15th trade deadline.

With limited assets to offer as compensation for Nash in a trade, the most likely scenario for a D'Antoni-Nash reunion (after their days together in Phoenix), remains for him to sign as a free agent next off-season.

Knicks News, Rumors: Steve Nash A Target Next Summer?

The struggling New York Knicks could target Phoenix Suns' guard Steve Nash next summer with their $5 million mid-level exception money. Will Nash solve the team's problems in 2013?