The race for Josh Smith has officially started. The forward is preparing to come off waivers after being released from the Detroit Pistons and several teams are getting their sales pitch ready. Smith is a versatile big man that struggled in Detroit with Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe, but a change of scenery could be what he needs to get back on track. Smith has plenty of friends in the league that are pushing for their teams to recruit him as the forward makes it clear he only wants to sign with a playoff contender.
Smith is just two years removed from signing a four-year, $54 million contract. The Pistons were struggling with three big men on the court at the same time and since there was no trade interest in Smith or Monroe, the forward just got released. The 29-year-old is currently averaging 13.1 points and 7.2 rebounds and a number of teams are looking to get that on their roster.
The Dallas Mavericks just made the move to acquire Rajon Rondo via a trade with the Boston Celtics, but could they also make the move for Smith as well? Owner Mark Cuban confirmed to Dallas media that the Mavericks are looking at acquiring the forward because of his talents and versatility on the court. Rondo and Smith are very good friends and played basketball together throughout high school. The two have stated they would love to play together in the NBA and Rondo believes the Mavericks could use him.
"I think we can use an athletic big," Rondo said, via ESPN.com. "They traded me for Brandan Wright. Besides Tyson [Chandler], our other bigs are perimeter shooters. Josh brings a lot to the game -- his intangibles, he can make plays, rebound, defend. He'd be a good fit anywhere, but especially here I think he'd be a good fit."
ESPN.com reports the Houston Rockets believe they have the lead in the Smith race. The Rockets missed out on getting Rondo, but are using Dwight Howard to recruit the forward to their team. Howard and Smith has also been friends for a number of years and the Rockets believe the center can convince him to sign with the team.
The Miami Heat are hoping to be a contender for the forward. They just lost Josh McRoberts for the season to a knee injury and could desperately use Smith on the court. If Miami can be granted a Disabled Player Exception, they will chase Smith. However, with the Rockets using Howard and the Mavericks using Rondo, the Heat are likely the team that will get left out in the end.