Stephen A. Smith explains his 'NBA Countdown' exit: 'I didn't want to be on the show'

Stephen A. Smith says he negotiated stepping down from “NBA Countdown” as part of his contract renewal.

The “First Take” star said his expanding duties — including his new SiriusXM shows — left no time for the studio show commitment.

The new “NBA Countdown” team features Malika Andrews, Brian Windhorst, Kendrick Perkins and Michael Malone, though Smith will make occasional appearances.

Stephen A. Smith is a very busy man.

He is the star of ESPN’s “ First Take .”

He hosts two radio shows on SiriusXM .

He has his own production company .

Since 2021, Smith also has been an analyst on ESPN’s “NBA Countdown” pre-game and halftime studio show.

But he isn’t anymore, at least not on a full-time basis.

This week, ESPN announced a new “NBA Countdown” broadcast team that features host