Josh Smith rumors: Minnesota Timberwolves a fit?

Now that the Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to deal power forward Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a future first round pick, swingman Andrew Wiggins and forward Anthony Bennett, it looks like Bennett will be going to the Philadelphia 76ers with veteran forward Thaddeus Young heading to Minnessota.

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If Young plays small forward, that would still leave a big hole at the four for the Timberwolves. One talented power forward that could be available to fill that spot is Josh Smith of the Detroit Pistons. A trade could give the Pistons cap relief (Smith is owed $40.5 million over the next three years).

Jabari Davis of Basketball Insiders thinks Smith would be a solid replacement for Love.

"That’s an interesting thought, as I definitely think Smith is better suited to play the power forward (exclusively) at this juncture. They’re currently paying Pek about $12 per and will probably end up maxing Rubio out, but they are actually slightly over the cap already so it would require them putting together a package of players that Detroit would want in return. Easier said than done, as we know most trades that even make it to the discussion or negotiation stages rarely come to full fruition. I do like the idea, because it would also potentially open up the log-jam in Detroit’s frontcourt."

Smith went 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 last season.

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