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J.R. Smith will not exercise the opt-in clause to his contract at tomorrow's
deadline, making him a free agent July 1st. But the Knicks are 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 $2.8M next season on a one-year deal
with the Knicks. Smith prefers a one-year deal because that would give him
Bird rights next summer. It is unlikely a team will outbid the Knicks but
Smith will get a chance to shop around. He has stated repeatedly he wants to
stay with the Knicks because he considers the New York area his home.

The new collective bargaining agreement allows the Knicks to re-sign Smith
without using any of their mid-level exception.

Smith is suing his Chinese team for $1M to recoup the fines levied against
him for allegedly missing 80 practices, among other violations.


http://tinyurl.com/6ugek44

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