The news surrounding Kevin Love has quieted down, but this is the NBA offseason and it never stays that way for long. However, as attention shifts off Love, it moves over to Josh Smith and a potential departure from the Detroit Pistons. The forward was the team's big offseason signing in 2013, but by all accounts was a failure in his first year. With new head coach Stan Van Gundy taking over, Smith's time in Detroit could be over.
Multiple NBA sources including Yahoo Sports and ESPN reported on Tuesday that Detroit and the Sacramento Kings were on the verge of a deal that would send away Smith in exchange for Derrick Williams and Jason Thompson. The Kings favored a frontcourt that would consist of Smith, Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins while the Pistons wanted to rid themselves of the three years and $40.5 million contract currently signed to the forward who averaged fewer points, rebounds and assists last season than his two previous with the Atlanta Hawks. 24 hours later, the negotiations have quieted down, but it is clear that Smith is available for deals causing a brand new trading frenzy this offseason.
According to Lang Green of Basketball Insiders, the Pistons favor re-signing Greg Monroe over keeping Smith. It was very clear last season that the two failed to co-exist along with Andre Drummond and Detroit would be forced to make a move this offseason if they wanted to improve. Van Gundy recently admitted that contracts would play a large role in what direction the team goes in and if a deal for Smith presented itself, he would have to look at all of the scenarios.
"So that's an interesting scenario and we have looked down the road at that," Van Gundy said, via ESPN.com. "It's hard to say that's the ideal situation because certainly if you've got $40-some million in your two front line spots, it really affects what you're able to do on your perimeter, and you would like a balance on your roster, but we have also come to the conclusion of, again, if that's what it comes to, that we can deal with that for one year, so I think we're comfortable with however things go that we'll be okay."
It is hard to predict the market for Smith. A down season and high-priced contract do not help his value. The Brooklyn Nets could be an option if Paul Pierce decides to head elsewhere. Smith worked very well with Joe Johnson in Atlanta and it could work again. The Miami Heat might be interested if LeBron James does not return. The Golden State Warriors could also be an option if they fail to trade for Kevin Love. Right now, the Kings remain the favorites. Talk around Smith should heat up once the NBA Draft is complete and teams have a better idea of where they stand.
