NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks to Move JR Smith & Iman Shumpert?

The New York Knicks are open to trading guards J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert and Shane Larkin.

In a report by ESPN.com, Ian Begley said, "They're working on trying to make a move in the backcourt."

J.R. Smith was the winner of the NBA Sixth Man of the year award in 2013. He still has two more years to play with the Knicks including a player option for $6.4 million during the 2015-2016 NBA season. He averaged 14.5 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in the 2013-2014 season and is set to earn almost $6 million in the upcoming season. Iman Shumpert averaged 6.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists. It was reported that the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder are interested in acquiring Shumpert.

In a report by Sports Illustrated, the New York Knicks are apparently trying to improve their lineup in the paint, to provide more support to Carmelo Anthony, who recently signed to extend his contract with the team. Begley said that the Knicks are trying to clear the backcourt. The Knicks is clogged with more perimeter players like Shannon Brown, Jose Calderon and Wayne Ellington.

According to Bleacher Report, Smith shared that he would understand if the Knicks traded him, considering his poor defense as well as court antics that caused him to be fined. He was penalized for untying opponents' shoelaces during games. Smith said about a possible move by Phil Jackson to trade him off, "No, absolutely not. The way I was playing, I was playing like a person who didn't want to be there, not looking as confused as a person should be in the situation we were in. I wouldn't blame him at all."

In a report by NJ.com, Tim Hardaway Jr. would not be involved in any trades by the Knicks. A source described Hardaway as "virtually untouchable", after his great showing at the Summer League by scoring over 20 points in five games. Experts suggest that the Knicks let go of Shumpert and Smith but retain Larkin until he fully realizes his potential and increases his trading value. Both Shumpert and Smith have not been great at defense. Jackson is looking for bigger and more defensive players. Most likely, offensive strategies will revolve around Anthony and Hardaway Jr.

New York has yet to announce the players they are interested in acquiring in exchange for their extra guards. Phil Jackson continues to scout talents during the offseason to complete the team rebuild in a few seasons.