JR Smith is now available.
The Cleveland Cavaliers released the veteran guard on Monday before his $15.6 million contract for the 2019-20 season could become guaranteed and failing to find a team to take him in a trade.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that once Smith clears waiver, the Los Angeles Lakers would not be interested in signing him.
Could the Knicks welcome Smith back to the Garden?
Smith, 33, played with the Knicks from 2011-14 before he was included in a three-team trade to the Cavaliers, along with Iman Shumpert, that landed the Knicks a draft pick and Lance Thomas.
The Knicks have available cap space for another signing and could use a veteran presence in their very young lineup, but a Smith reunion does not seem likely.
Smith requested a trade with the Cavaliers early last year because they were no longer a contending team and refused to play the rest season with the team. It would be hard to see him wanting to sign with a team that is not a contender for next season.
He also may not fit the culture the Knicks are trying to build with a young core. Smith's antics, on and off the court, have been well-documented throughout his career. Some of those moments with the Knicks included a five-game suspension for testing positive for marijuana in 2013 and a $50,000 fine in 2014 for trying to untie an opponent's shoelaces at the free throw line.