Source: Indy, Minny Interested in Smith
The challenge for the Clippers is that (J.R.) Smith is also being recruited hard by (Carmelo) Anthony, another former Nuggets teammate who, like Smith and (Chris) Paul, is represented by agent Leon Rose. Smith has been playful about his intentions, frequently responding to fans of the Knicks, Heat, Lakers and Clippers via his Twitter feed in the days leading up to the end of his Chinese season.
One source close to the situation told ESPN.com that the Indiana Pacers — who possess more salary-cap space to spend than any other team in the league at present — and the Minnesota Timberwolves have expressed interest in Smith.
If the Knicks win out, it’s believed that the Clippers will try to capitalize on their two trade exceptions created in the blockbuster deal in December that brought them Paul to acquire another shooting guard or small forward. The exceptions are valued at just less than $4 million and $3 million respectively. Shelburne reported Sunday that the Clippers, in that scenario, would likely wait until after March 1 to actively pursue trades, when more than 100 players who signed new contracts in December become eligible to be traded.
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