Interest surrounding Josh Smith has been slim, especially from the Houston Rockets. After getting released from the Detroit Pistons, Smith signed a one-year contract with the Rockets and it paid off. The forward was a critical piece to the offense especially during the playoff run which left many people, including Smith, assuming he would be back in Houston. However, the Rockets have yet to explore contract talks with the forward.
At the start of the offseason, general manager Daryl Morey told the media that he wanted to first re-sign the free agents Houston had before exploring outside talent. That held true when he brought back Patrick Beverley and Corey Brewer who were both free agents. However, nothing has been decided regarding Smith who might be forced to take a much smaller contract that he expected.
According to Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times, the Rockets will likely use a mid-level exception on Smith in order to bring him back which would pay him around $5 million. However, because of salary cap issues, the Rockets might have to decide between Smith or KJ McDaniels for the exception, one that might be difficult to figure out.
Smith was one of the best players on the team to finish the season. However, he is streaky and takes more ill-advised shots than any coach would ever want. He also struggles with free throw shooting and guarding big men. McDaniels has the potential to be a strong asset for the Rockets after he was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers. His athleticism and defensive abilities might make him the favored played over the two.
If the Rockets want to bring both players back, trades are necessary. According to the Houston Chronicle, trade deals for Trevor Ariza have been explored, but that was when the Rockets were hoping to land Kevin Love or LaMarcus Aldridge who would have been perfect replacements. With those options closed, Ariza will likely stay put, but Terrence Jones could easily be offered up. He was being tossed around in trade deals as well and could be the favored person to let go of if the Rockets need cap space.
The Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Clippers have both been linked to Smith in recent days. Rudy Gay even took to his snap chat to declare that Smith would soon be a King in free agency. While no contracts have been discussed, Smith could begin taking a team visit or two in the coming week.
