Exclusive | Kenny Smith is enjoying being wanted as his free agency looms

Kenny “The Jet” Smith is embracing the thought of being a free agent.The “Inside the NBA” personality might be entering his last year with TNT — where he’s been for more than two decades — if the network’s parent company, Warner Brothers Discovery loses its bid for the NBA’s media rights with the next contract starting in the 2025-26 season.Many would feel uneasy about the unknown, but not Smith.The former two-time NBA champ is sitting back and enjoying being courted for his on-air prowess.“Well, I’m feeling great starting the season.

I feel like the pretty girl at the dance where everyone wants to possibly take you to the prom,” Smith told The Post while discussing FanDuel’s new promotion, which includes a League Pass offer ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, on Wednesday.“I’m talking about the other networks [laughs], or the staying at the same network [TNT] and doing a hybrid show — for us, a hybrid-type show.“So for me, it’s an interesting time being a free agent.

I was joking [previously], but I think I’m going to do it now.I’m going to eventually do the LeBron [James] and say ‘I’m taking my talents to — and I’m going to have all the kids around me like him… I think in 30 days I’m going to find me a Boys and Girls Club somewhere and do my announcement.” Smith was referencing when James announced he was taking his “talents” from the Cavaliers to Heat for the 2010 NBA season in a television special, entitled “The Decision,” on ESPN.“But it’s a lot of fun.

If it’s basketball, it’s me.It’s great to be coveted by so many people, even TNT as well,” Smith, 59, said.

“Like I said, trying to create something that may live longer than that, or other networks.But it’s basketball, it’s me.

This is what I do.I’ve done it for multiple decades.

I’ve put myself and I think our show has put themselves in a position where we can all do something together and all do something separately, or ...