Source: Knicks/Pacers talked JR for Cope swap

[isiah_thomas]

One of president Phil Jackson’s big decisions this season is whether to trade J.R. Smith, and the club had recent conversations with the Pacers regarding ex-Knick Chris Copeland, according to a league source.

The 6-foot-9 Copeland, whom the Pacers signed in July 2013, has an expiring contract after bolting the Knicks for a two-year, $6 million deal, so he wouldn’t affect their 2015 cap space.

Smith, meanwhile, can opt out of the $6.4 million he has coming in 2015-16, but there’s still a chance he will wait to be a free agent until 2016 when the salary cap is expected to rise dramatically. The Knicks are trying to open up as much cap space as possible and would benefit if Smith opts out or if they trade him for an expiring contract.

Through three games, Copeland, a combo forward, is averaging 16 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 30 minutes, though he is still coming off the bench. Last season, Copeland was an afterthought, getting into 41 contests and not making a single start. He had a strong season off the bench with the Knicks in 2012-13 after being plucked out of the Belgian League by European scout Kevin Wilson.

According to a source, Jackson has no plans to make any deals until Dec. 15 — a key NBA date as 2014 free-agent signees and 2014 draft picks are eligible to be traded.

http://nypost.com/2014/11/03/source-kni ... land-deal/

[emo]

I will put hands on Phil Jackson if he even thinks about doing that.

J.R. Smith for better or worse.

[BLACKFEET 2010]

I guess it's "whatever" then.

[xNewYorkMadex]

I still believe Jr will opt out.

He saw how much Jodie Meeks got and Jr knows hes better than him. I think Jr will have a solid season and try to get more $ and financial security.

[GardenFaith]

I'd drive JR to Indy myself.

[Thugger HBC]

Do this. bring Slow-Melo back to where he belongs. i wonder do the Pacers think JR Smith is merely an older Lance Stephenson?

Dont care...make this happen by the time I get off work today.

[Nostrand Ave]

We would officially be the worst defensive team of all time.

[Bill Pidto]

I like JR. Not really in a rush to see him go.

At least let him build some more trade value in this system. He's off to a good start and is well on his way to a much better season than he last had.

[K_ick_God]

We would officially be the worst defensive team of all time.

JR really not winning us any defensive stops.

The only reservation I'd have is who sits in the frontcourt? And our offensive team speed in general.

[GardenFaith]

Doing this trade would give us more cap space next summer and imo a better system guy in Copeland who can space the floor and put the ball in the basket for us.

You saw last night vs the Hornets what happens when other people chip in with the scoring and I think Cope could do that here again in NY.

Let's make it happen.

[Fat Kat]

Let's hope this is BS. jR's the better defender.

[Meat]

Doing this trade would give us more cap space next summer and imo a better system guy in Copeland who can space the floor and put the ball in the basket for us.

You saw last night vs the Hornets what happens when other people chip in with the scoring and I think Cope could do that here again in NY.

Let's make it happen.

you also saw what happens when people dont defend, it turns into a nail biter every night

[Knicksfan1992]

Jesus this would be awful....

[BeagleBoss]

Do it! Don't care much for Cope but he's an expiring contract and it's only a matter of time before JR goes back to acting like a clown.

[Mr_Perfect]

If Phil can make a deal like this I will go all 'Marbury' and go on TV shouting about the deal Phil just pulled off and how great it is. If you can find someone to take JR Smjth for an expiring deal that would be Heaven. It would be legendary. Might be one of my most joyous memories as a Knicks fan.

[mpharris36]

a couple of things. Obviously a focused JR Smith is a better all around player. Having someone who can play make and get his shot at anytime is important.

However there are some things to consider. Like the article says, if the cap doesn't increase much would JR just consider opting in to his contract in hope that in 2016 when the cap goes up exponentially would he be better served waiting make his 6 million next year and sign a long deal that offseason.

At this point if this season is still a transition win (trust me I want to win more than anyone) then I think you need to proceed with a deal that gives us the most free space next offseason.

Some guys like Danny Green and Wesley Matthews are FA next year. And if getting rid of JR this year allows us to lock up Marc Gasol and either one of these guys I think you have to trade JR for an expiring.

[ORANGEandBLUE]

I would do it. I think Jr is going to lose a step in the next 2-3 seasons. He's gt a lot of mileage and is not great with conditioning. Not a long-term option at the 2.

[2010]

NEGATIVES

This deal weakens our depth at SG. Shumpert isn't the most durable guy and is prone to foul trouble due to his aggressive style of defense. You'd be put into a position to leave THJr. on the floor for long stretches of streak shootingand horrid defense.

Makes us less athletic and removes a playmaker from the wing which is essential in the triangle.

Further clogs up the big rotation since Cope plays SF/PF/C and likely would force us to explore another trade of a big for a SG to balance the roster.

POSITIVES

Allows us more cap flexibility for the summer of 2015 free agency.

Adds a system player in Cope who will score more efficiently than JR and has a very reliable 3pt shot.

[Besart19]

We need JR playmaking, too...

Imagine the defense of the second unit: Prigs, THJ, Cope, Amare Bargs/Smith... JR should get traded only in a bigger trade for a true 2nd option... Trade THJ insteaf

[Deeeez Knicks]

Get er done

PMFJB!