Smith can return to the NBA after his team in China finishes its season. The Clippers hope he can bring scoring punch as backup small forward, says a person with knowledge of the situation.
The Clippers, still not done dealing after signing Kenyon Martin on Friday, will pursue guard J.R. Smith after the team he plays on in the Chinese Basketball Assn. finishes its season and he becomes eligible to play in the NBA, said a person not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.