J.R. Smith And Iman Shumpert Write Nostalgic Message In Response To New York Knicks’ Trade

Fans of the New York Knicks will no longer see J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert rock that blue and orange at the Garden. The news of a three-way trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers broke on Monday (Jan. 5), that guards Swish and Shump will head to Ohio to play alongside LeBron James. The pro-athletes took to their respective Instagram accounts to post emotional messages thanking the fans and NYK staff for their support.

I want to thank Mr. Dolan and the Knicks organization for giving me the opportunity to play for such a storied franchise over the past few seasons. I want to thank my teammates for their support and guidance. Most importantly, I want thank the fans of New York who are some of the most passionate basketball fans in the world. Playing in my hometown has been incredibly special and I will be forever grateful for having had the chance to wear a Knicks uniform. Though I look forward to starting a new chapter in Cleveland to join some of the best talent in the game in the quest for an NBA Championship, this great experience in New York will always stay with me. Thank you again, fans. Your support means the world.

Μια φωτογραφία που δημοσίευσε ο χρήστης JR Smith (@teamswish) στις Ιαν 1, 2015 at 7:01πμ PST

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All I can say is thank you to New York. For every opportunity and valuable lesson I’ve learned in my time spent there. Thank you to the @nyknicks for being a first class organization and thank you to the fans for being insanely in love with the franchise. Support is everything. Love is love. One last toast to the #knickstape. Sometimes the business side of the game hurts…Hope the guys can turn it around. Off to #Cleveland #post90 #kidz

A photo posted by iMan Shumpert (@imanshumpertthe1st) on Jan 1, 2015 at 7:49am PST

Shumpert’s girlfriend Teyana Taylor also posted her own message to her longtime boyfriend showing her support in this career altering decision.

One Thing I See Clearly Is That God Is Mysterious Beyond Comprehension. His Moves Are Unpredictable But ALWAYS Calculated… I Know We See This Decision As A Stepping Stone, Elevation To The Next Level Of Ones Success… Wherever You Go I Go, Whatever Decision You Make Im In Support Of… Many In My City Is Sad To See You Go, But Theres Another City With High Anticipation Of Your Arrival… You’ll Be Great & Effective Wherever You Are, And I’ll Be There Every Step of The Way… I love u boy #LoveLadyBug #ForeverShump

A photo posted by Jimmy Neutch (@teyanataylor) on Jan 1, 2015 at 8:49am PST

The Knicks currently stand at a 5-32 record, the worst in the Eastern Conference this 2014-15 season. Photo Credit: ESPN