A source has told the New York Post that Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony was not for the signing of free-agent J.R. Smith after his return from China.

The Post reports that Anthony “gave a thumbs down to upper management” when asked if the team should bring his former Denver Nuggets teammate to Madison Square Garden. According to all other reports however, Anthony has publically supported the decision, both before and after the signing.

The once red-hot Knicks have lost seven out of ten games since signing Smith, including their last five contests in a row. Smith has averaged 9.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per game in that span.

The Knicks downward spiral has also coincided with the return of Anthony from injury. The club is 2-7 since the perennial All-Star’s return to the lineup. In the seven games he missed due to injury, the team went 6-1.

The NBA announced Saturday that they will fine New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith $25,000 for posting a racy photograph to his personal Twitter page.

Smith told the Associated Press Friday that he regretted posting the photograph.

“I didn’t know it was going to be as big deal as it is now,” Smith said. “I definitely regret it. It takes away from our team. Anytime I do anything that takes away from our team, I’m definitely going to regret it.”

J.R. Smith made it official with a tweet, the swingman who has spent the last several months in China will become the newest member of the New York Knicks.

New York Knicks It Is!

—
JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) February 17, 2012

The 26-year-old veteran signed with a team in China during the NBA lockout when it seemed that the 2011-12 NBA season would not take place. Due to international basketball rules, most players who signed deals in China were not allowed to leave to return to the NBA without buying out their contracts completely. Smith became available this week after the Chinese season ended.

It is believed that the swingman will likely receive the Knicks’ $2.5 million exception after his agent met with Knicks chairman James Dolan to finalize a contract.  The Los Angeles Clippers were also believed to be in negotiations with Smith.

The New York Knicks are expected to officially add J.R. Smith to their roster today, sources have told The New York Post.

Smith will reportedly be at Madison Square Garden this evening but will not make his debut for the Knicks until Sunday, sources told the Post. Smith, who had signed with a Chinese team during the NBA lockout, became available to sign an NBA contract Wednesday.

It is believed that the swingman will likely receive the Knicks’ $2.5 million exception after his agent met with Knicks chairman James Dolan to finalize a contract.  The Los Angeles Clippers were also believed to be in negotiations with Smith.

Last season with the Nuggets, Smith averaged 12.3 points shooting, 2.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game.  If the deal becomes official, Smith will join the resurging Knicks and his former Nuggets teammate, Carmelo Anthony.

Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown spoke with J.R. Smith yesterday about the former Denver Nugget possibly coming to Los Angeles,  according to the L.A. Times.

Just had a great talk with Coach Brown!

—
JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) February 14, 2012

Smith signed with a Chinese pro team during the NBA lockout and was obligated to honor the contract until this month. He is now able to sign with an NBA team for the remainder of the season.

Since the Lakers are over the salary cap and have already spent their mid-level exception, the team can only offer Smith a prorated portion of the veterans’ minimum, a drastic pay cut from his $6.8 million salary last season with the Denver Nuggets.  Last season, Smith averaged 12.3 points shooting, 2.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game.

The Lakers have also reportedly been interested in free-agent Gilbert Arenas to fill a perimeter scoring void.

Although the New York Knicks are believed to be favorites to sign free-agent, J.R. Smith, Chris Paul of the Clippers believes that they have a good chance of bringing him to the Clippers, according to ESPN Los Angeles.

“I think the chances are very high,” Paul told reporters Monday.

“My relationship with J.R., Kenyon’s relationship with him and Chauncey’s relationship with him (help).” Paul told reporters, “Also he knows he’ll have the opportunity to play here. He can only make us better.”

The 26-year-old veteran signed with a team in China during the NBA lockout when it seemed that the 2011-12 NBA season would not take place. Due to international basketball rules, most players who signed deals in China were not allowed to leave to return to the NBA without buying out their contracts completely. Smith is expected to become available this week.

Smith is also being sought after by the Miami Heat, the Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers, and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Clippers are currently in third place in the Western Conference and first in the Pacific Division with a record of 17-9-0. They are 9-7 in the conference.

The Los Angeles Clippers are interested in signing free-agent J.R Smith, according to ESPN.

Smith will be eligible to return to the NBA later this week after he finishes his Chinese season. The Clippers are reportedly one of a handful of teams interested in landing the former Denver Nuggets guard.

The 26-year-old veteran signed with a team in China during the NBA lockout when it seemed that the 2011-12 NBA season would not take place. Due to international basketball rules, most players who signed deals in China were not allowed to leave to return to the NBA without buying out their contracts completely.

Clippers point guard Chris Paul is reportedly taking the lead in recruiting Smith. Paul played with Smith on the New Orleans Hornets from 2004-06.

Last season in 79 games for the Nuggets, Smith 12.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest.