Joe Smith is a very smart individual and knows not to bite the hand that feeds him. Of course he is going to say that he doesn't want a buyout when asked in a public forum. He is a team guy above all things and doesn't want the perception that comes along with being a player that is asking for a buyout. He is 100% dedictated to being a Thunder player.
Now, as Roy posted in the article above, what happens behind closed doors could be different. He could very much want to be bought out and could be having his agent negotiate something for him. But why let the players and coaches and fans think that he doesn't like or appreciate is current situation publicly when he could be there playing ball through at least the end of the year? That could be counterproductive for him and serves no purpose.