The Detroit Pistons continue to look for a trade partner that would allow them to dispose the contract of forward Josh Smith. And apparently, the Boston Celtics seem to be a perfect destination because of the presence of his high-school buddy Rajon Rondo.
According to Sports Illustrated Fan Sided writer Joe Dexter, the Pistons could be considering a trade that would send Smith to the Celtics in exchange for versatile forward Jeff Green, reuniting the high-school teammate at Oak Hill.
Bill Simmons, ESPN NBA analyst and founder of Grantland, was the one who ignited the debate about a possible Green for Smith swap in his annual article of NBA worst contracts. He believed it makes sense to give a Rondo-Smith tandem a try because the two seem fit to play alongside each other.
"I spent 30 minutes on YouTube recently watching old Oak Hill highlights with Josh and best buddy Rajon Rondo while wondering if the Celtics should deal Jeff Green and Keith Bogans's expiring deal for him. You know what frightens me? I think I'd be excited if this happened! My God, Josh Smith is my Atrocious GM Kryptonite!," Simmons said in his article.
Smith playing as a small forward has been a problem for the Pistons since he signed a four-year, $54 million deal last season. In his first season in Motown, Smith had 265 three-pointers - a career-high - and shot an anaemic 26 percent of these attempts.
According to Rant Sports writer Ian Van Doren, Smith isn't the best choice to play at small forward position because his strength remains rebounding and blocking shots which are jobs of a power forward.
"Those numbers are absurdly bad and are a product of the Pistons' dilemma of having too many front-court players. As such, somebody needs to go and it is increasingly likely that Smith is that guy. There have been rumors that Detroit should trade Smith to the Boston Celtics for Jeff Green and I actually think that is a trade that would work for the Pistons," Van Doren stated in his latest article.
Many analysts believed this trade would be a win-win deal for both teams, who will try to make it into the postseason after coming up short last year. Financially, this trade also makes sense for the Pistons, who will pay less money for Green's $9.2 million paycheck due for next season.
Green might not be consistent player, but he's viewed as a good fit for the Pistons because of his ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting and attack the rim with his athleticism.
The Sacramento Kings have been inquiring for the service of Smith, offering Derrick Williams and Jason Thompson. However, the Celtics might have a better package with Green and the expiring contract of Keith Bogans, which could give them flexibility next summer.
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