
Denvers J.R. Smithin Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.Getty Images
GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) — J.R. Smith says he is joining the New York Knicks, reuniting with former Denver teammate Carmelo Anthony to provide more scoring punch.
Though the team says there is no deal yet, Smith wrote “New York Knicks it is!” Friday morning on his Twitter account.
Smith signed in China during the lockout and was ineligible to return to the NBA until his team’s season was finished there. The Knicks can’t reach a deal with him until his return is cleared by FIBA, basketball’s international governing body.
Coach Mike D’Antoni says Smith would strengthen the Knicks bench, with Landry Fields remaining the starting shooting guard.