Josh Smith rumors: Kings, Pistons could restart trade talks
By Bryan Rose
In the days leading up to the 2014 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings and Detroit Pistons were said to be engaged in trade talks surrounding power forward Josh Smith. Such a deal never manifested, but it was confirmed by multiple sources that the two sides did attempt to make such a deal.
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Nobody knows why the potential trade fell apart (some have suggested it was the Pistons who backed out) but according to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, it’s possible the two sides could rekindle talks again.
“The Kings were mentioned as a landing spot for Josh Smith just before the draft,” says Kennedy. “I know for a fact that the Kings and Pistons discussed a potential deal centered around Smith, so it’s definitely possible that those talks could start back up.”
The original deal that was drummed up would have sent Josh Smith to the Kings in exchange for a package involving Derrick Williams and Jason Thompson, a trade that would have removed the albatross of a contract Smith signed with the the Detroit Pistons last offseason.
Of course, the contract of Jason Thompson isn’t exactly team friendly but it’s far better if the Pistons were looking to clear some salary off their books, especially after Smith’s poor first season in Motown.
As for the Sacramento Kings, it’s the ultimate risk/reward type deal as Smith could continue to be the dud he was with the Pistons last year or could potentially revert to the All-Star talent so many remember during his days with the Atlanta Hawks.