Report: Knicks, Pacers have discussed Smith for Copeland swap

Two years after his surprising rookie season with the New York Knicks, Chris Copeland is reportedly the topic of trade discussions for his former team.

Citing a league source, the New York Post's Marc Berman reports that the Knicks have had recent discussions with the Indiana Pacers about reacquiring Copeland in exchange for J.R. Smith.

However, the report also states that Knicks president Phil Jackson does not want to make a trade until Dec. 15, when 2014 free agent acquisitions can be traded.

Copeland, who averaged 8.7 points in 56 games as a rookie for the Knicks in 2012-13, has averaged 16.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists through three games this season.

The 30-year-old forward has only a $3,918,750 qualifying offer currently on the books for next season, whereas Smith has a $6,399,750 player option for 2015-16.

The Knicks are expected to be a player in 2015 free agency, when they'll have cap space for the first time in years, and every extra bit of wiggle room could help.

Smith has averaged 8.0 points on 40 percent shooting for the Knicks through three games this season, has admittedly struggled to grasp the triangle offense new coach Derek Fisher is instituting, and has a penchant for erratic on-court behavior.