J.R. Smith thinks that Lin's contract would cause problems in the Knicks locker room

As Anthony's comments would suggest, there could be concerns among the Knicks about Lin's contract and how it would be perceived by his teammates as well. Veteran shooting guard J.R. Smith, for example, is a far more est@blished player in the league yet he recently signed a two-year deal that will pay him $2.8 million in the first season and has a player option in the second. In an interview with SI.com on Sunday, Smith spoke as if Lin would not return to New York. The Knicks, however, have not indicated that they made a decision as yet.

"I'm sure the city would love to have him back, but the team decided to go in a different direction," Smith said. "It's nothing personal, I don't think, just business. We just hope everybody can benefit from here.

"I don't really know how Mr. Dolan feels at this point with what the luxury tax is now and what it used to be, but I just hope it works out the best for both of them."

Asked if Lin's contract could cause a challenging dynamic with his teammates, Smith agreed.

"Without a doubt," he said. "I think some guys take it personal, because they've been doing it longer and haven't received any reward for it yet. I think it's a tough subject to touch on for a lot of guys.

The true impact of the league's new collective bargaining agreement won't be known for a few more years, in large part because of the incredibly punitive luxury tax that doesn't kick in until the 2013-14 campaign, but this is the fork in the road that Commissioner David Stern envisioned during those negotiations when he so often preached about parity and increased economic efficiency for all. But as evidenced by Brooklyn's fearless (though futile) pursuit of Howard that came the risk of putting their payroll above $100 million and the fact that New York is still contemplating matching Lin, the fear factor doesn't seem to be kicking in just yet.

I could see jr point he gettin 2.8 dudes like nick young gettin 6..

^Me too... JR smith put in more work last season than Lin and he agreed on a 2.8 mill contract! Chandler won a chip and anchored our team last season and Lin would be getting payed like him

Lin played less than 40 games as a knick and less than 60 games as an NBA player overall, which is a smack in the face to players like Melo and Amare who actually put in work numerous years to get the contracts they have!

Lin's contract will be based off all hype, merchandise and ticket sales! At the end of the day, if it doesn't translate to he court that extra glitzy !! doesn't mean !! in the locker room!

wow this !! is getting ugly