Josh Smith Rumors: Sacramento Kings, Detroit Pistons talking trade
As soon as former Atlanta Hawks’ forward Josh Smith singed his four-year, $54 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, most saw him as a poor fit fit.
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Smith is at his best when he is a power forward and the Pistons already had two talented big men in center Andre Drummond and power forward Greg Monroe. That has led to speculation that either Monroe or Smith could be on their way out. Monroe is currently a restricted free agent, but it’s Smith who has been brought up most in trade talks – the Sacramento Kings are reportedly very high on him and have had discussions with the Pistons in the past.
ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reports the Kings and Pistons are once again discussing a potential deal.
"Sources told ESPN.com the Kings have continued to express interest in Smith and the parties are on the hunt for a third team that could help facilitate the deal……Sources say the Kings continue to give the addition of Smith serious consideration, largely because the discussions to date have not required them to part with any players in their long-term plans and would also add a versatile and athletic defender to a roster that badly needs one, given how much Kings coach Mike Malone is known to preach defense."
The initial report indicated receive big man Jason Thompson and either forward Derrick Williams or disgruntled veteran guard Jerry Terry in the deal. Of course, the Pistons have since signed Los Angeles Lakers’ guard Jodie Meeks, Washington Wizards’ swingman Cartier Martin and Kings’ center Aaron Gray. 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.