Yahoo Sports! Adrian Wojnarowski reports that J.R. Smith could be following in Wilson Chandler's footsteps and be heading to China. According to Wojnarowski, Smith is close to completing a deal that will earn him over $3 million next season with Shanxi, the largest contract in the Chinese Basketball Association to date.

Just a reminder, should Smith sign with a CBA team he would forfeit his free agency for this season and would not have an opt-out clause to return if and when the NBA lockout ends, per CBA's recent ruling. This would be another blow to the Nuggets as I'm sure fans were hoping that with Chandler's departure, Smith would be re-signed. On the other hand, for those Nugget fans who are tired of Smith's antics, him signing with Shanxi might be a blessing in disguise as both sides would likely part ways. In any case, if this deal goes through, it will add to the Nuggets thinning roster.

Below is the article for reference:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-wojnarowski_jr_smith_china_090811