The Celtics sure could use a little instant offense off the bench. A guy like J.R. Smith could be a nice fit talent-wise. The thing is, the Celtics only have the veterans minimum to offer him while other teams can pay him more. So he's zeroing in on a couple of places.
Source -- Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks frontrunners for J.R. Smith - ESPN Los Angeles
Free-agent swingman J.R. Smith currently lists on his Twitter page the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers as teams he is considering. However, the Knicks and Clippers appear to be the front-runners to sign him, according to the source with knowledge of the talks.
NY Knicks closing in on deal to add free agent shooting guard J.R. Smith - NY Daily News
J.R. Smith could have been the guy who cost Jeremy Lin his job in New York. Instead, he figures to become the player who shares the backcourt with the Knicks’ starting point guard. The Knicks are in negotiations to sign Smith, the free agent shooting guard who was Carmelo Anthony’s teammate in Denver before signing with a Chinese club during the NBA lockout.
It is believed that Smith, who has also attracted the interest of the L.A. Clippers, would receive the Knicks’ $2.5 million exception if the Freehold, N.J., product signs with them.
Lin, Smith, Melo, Amare, and Chandler would be an interesting lineup to say the least.