NBA Rumors: Josh Smith trade to Sacramento Kings not imminent

The Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings are discussing a deal involving Josh Smith; however, a trade is not imminent, according to CBS’ Ken Berger.

Renewed discussions between the Kings and Pistons on Josh Smith have not progressed yet to the point where a deal is imminent, source says.
— Ken Berger (@KBergNBA) July 17, 2014

While many might question why the Kings are even interested in Smith in the first place, ESPN’s Marc Stein reported earlier Wednesday that the Kings have multiple reasons.

"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.Kings owner Vivek Ranadive, furthermore, is known to be fond of splashy moves. And trading for Smith, given the lukewarm reviews of his first season with the Pistons, would certainly qualify as bold.Another potential bonus is Smith’s close relationship with Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, whom Sacramento has been targeting in trade talks for some time."

Even considering all of that, trading for Smith is certainly a risk. As Stein alludes to, the forward had a tough go in his first season as a Piston, averaging 16.4 points on 41.9 percent shooting from the floor and 26.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc.