JR Smith says he'll play for Knicks

By Paul Levine Feb 17, 2012, 19:04 GMT

Los Angeles - Free-agent sharpshooter JR Smith is bound for the Big Apple, sending out a social media message Friday that he will sign with the New York Knicks.

'New York Knicks it is!' he posted on his Twitter account.

There has been no word from the Knicks, and no terms of the deal were officially available.

Smith has reportedly agreed to a pro-rated share of their 2.5-million-dollar, mini-mid-level exception, with a player option for next year, according to New York's Daily News and Post tabloids.

To make room for the 26-year-old Smith, the Knicks have already waived little-used Renaldo Balkman.

After playing last season in Denver alongside current Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, Smith starred in China for the last several months due to the NBA lockout. With the 30-game Chinese season over, Smith became eligible Wednesday to sign with an NBA team.

After weighing offers, he chose the Knicks over the up-and-coming LA Clippers.

Smith is expected to be reunited with Anthony and join the Jeremy Lin-Sanity craze on Sunday, when surging New York hosts the Dallas Mavericks.

A deadly outside shooter, Smith is expected to add depth and firepower to the shooting guard and small forward spots. There are questions whether he's a good fit for the young Knicks because of his volatile personality.

Smith owns career averages of 12.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2 assists in 503 contests with the New Orleans Hornets and Nuggets.