NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks have decided to waive Chris Smith.

The Knicks finalized the move on Tuesday to create a roster spot for big man Jeremy Tyler, who has been playing for the Erie BayHawks, the Knicks' D-League affiliate, since going to training camp with New York.

Smith acknowledged on Twitter that he had been released by the team. On Monday evening, he sent out a tweet thanking the organization for a "great opportunity."

Would like to Thank the @nyknicks organization for the great opportunity. I am truly Blessed to have been apart of the #knickstape .. — Chris Smith (@TheOnlyCSmith0) December 31, 2013

The Knicks considered releasing center Cole Aldrich to make room for Tyler, sources said, but decided to let go of Smith. They reached an agreement with Tyler on Monday afternoon, sources said.

The Knicks' decision to keep Smith on the regular-season roster stirred emotion among the team's fan base because of his ties to brother and teammate J.R. Smith. Both the Knicks and Chris Smith have acknowledged that Smith's older brother was a factor in the team's decision to keep him.

Coach Mike Woodson was asked if his affinity for the Smith family made it hard to make the decision:

"I got a fondness for everybody's family on this team," Woodson said. "I like the makeup of our team. I like our players, I like their families, so it's not just his family. Again, Chris will get another opportunity. I wish him nothing but the best. I appreciate the work that he put in here with our ballclub. It's not like he's done. He'll get an opportunity if he continues to work. Possibly somewhere else, if not back here. You just never know."

Smith began the season with the BayHawks and was called up to the Knicks on Dec. 17 after point guards Pablo Prigioni and Raymond Felton were lost to injury. He appeared in two regular-season games, playing a minute late in each.

His salary of $490,814 is already guaranteed, according to league sources, so the Knicks would not be saving any money on the transaction.