Josh Smith rumors: Detroit Pistons rebuffing Sacramento Kings’ efforts
When former Miami Heat and Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy took over as head coach and president of the Detroit Pistons, he likely looked at the four-year, $54 million the Pistons gave forward Josh Smith last year and rolled his eyes. There has been a lot of speculation the Sacramento Kings could deal for Smith and the two reportedly discussed a potential deal once again in Las Vegas this week.
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According to Vince Ellis of The Detroit Free Press, the Pistons continue to rebuff the Kings’ effort to trade for Smith.
"A person with firsthand knowledge of the situation confirmed ESPN’s Marc Stein’s report that the Kings were interested in Smith. Another source said Thursday morning that there are “no legs” to the report — suggesting that nothing was imminent.It reportedly was the second time the Kings had reached out about Smith. Stein reported the first contact late last month.The Kings believed that the Pistons would get rid of Smith without seeking valuable assets in return, but the Pistons have been adamant that that’s not the case, and they are prepared to bring him back for his second season in Detroit."
The Pistons were reportedly going to bring back big man Jason Thompson and either forward Derrick Williams or disgruntled veteran guard Jerry Terry in the deal. The Pistons have since signed Los Angeles Lakers’ guard Jodie Meeks, Washington Wizards’ swingman Cartier Martin and Kings’ center Aaron Gray, meaning they may be looking for other pieces.. The two sides would now likely need to involve a third team.
Smith put up 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 41.9% from the field, 26.4% from three and 53.2% from the charity stripe.