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Report: Clippers pursuing Josh Smith in free agency

By Charles Rahrig V

May 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) reacts after making a basket during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers in game seven of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) reacts after making a basket during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers in game seven of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to a report, Josh Smith could be the next target for the Los Angeles Clippers as they continue add depth to their roster.

A week ago, the Los Angeles Clippers might have been the biggest losers of free agency.

Next: 7 Teams Who Will Make NBA Finals Run Thanks To Free Agency

Well everyone knows the great emoji war that ensued, and suddenly the Clippers are looking like one of the strongest contenders in the Western Conference again. After re-signing DeAndre Jordan, trading for Lance Stephenson and adding Paul Pierce, they still might not be done cobbling together a championship roster.

Their next pursuit might very well be a player that had a big hand in eliminating the Clippers from the playoffs last season.

According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Clippers after, reportedly locking down Austin Rivers and Cole Aldrich, are still in pursuit of former Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith.

Smith is a versatile player that could play either forward position in Los Angeles. With the collection of wings that the Clippers have, it would seem more likely that he would see time off the bench at the four in an uptempo offense.

The trickiest part for the Clippers might not finding a roster slot, but actually signing Smith. They are already well over the cap, especially with the re-signing of DeAndre Jordan. They could unload Jamal Crawford onto another team in a trade, as they have been rumored to be looking to do.

The other way would to be to sign Smith for the veteran’s minimum, which might work because of millions that the Detroit Pistons still owe him. Either way, Smith would be getting his money.

Looking at the Clippers roster, they currently have Pierce, Stephenson and Wesley Johnson as guys that could play the small forward position. Behind Blake Griffin at power forward is Glen Davis, so Smith could be a more athletic upgrade off the bench who could fill a variety of roles.

The deal almost makes too much sense for the Clippers, and Lob City would remain alive and well with the Smith addition. Could he be the final piece that puts a tough Clippers team over the top?

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