J.R Smith is back from his five game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy. Smith’s offensive ability will take some of the burden off Carmelo Anthony but it could also mean the end of Iman Shumpert.
via the NY Daily News
“The rest of the league seems to value Iman more than the Knicks do,” said one Eastern Conference executive. “And his value is high.”
Including Shumpert in a deal for Rajon Rondo is something Mike Woodson would sign up for immediately but it’s also pure fantasy. Ask yourself, why would the Boston Celtics trade their best player to a hated rival that doesn’t have first-round picks to trade?
A more plausible scenario is moving Shumpert for Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried, especially when you factor in the health of Amar’e Stoudemire and Kenyon Martin. Plus, the Knicks believe they have insurance in the backcourt with rookie Tim Hardaway Jr.
