Josh Smith has been on the trading block ever since he landed a lucrative deal with the Detroit Pistons. The Sacramento Kings have expressed their interest in getting the borderline All-Star forward, but the Pistons seem not interested in getting bad contracts in exchange of another.
Smith, who averaged 16.4 points and 6.8 rebounds last season after signing a four-year, $54 million deal with the Pistons, has been linked to multiple trade speculations, but so far no trade has materialized.
The Kings viewed Smith as piece to their championship aspirations, believing the versatile forward would mesh well with their dynamic frontline consists of Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins. The only problem is the Pistons aren't convinced their trade package of Derrick Williams, Jason Thompson and Jason Terry is reasonable enough, because they considered these players as bunch of bad contracts.
"Detroit head of basketball operations and head coach Stan Van Gundy has met with Josh Smith and hasn't made any promises about keeping him. He'll move Smith but he wants value," Vincent Goodwill of Detroit News posted on his Twitter account.
Smith To Hornets?
The Charlotte Hornets have become one of the emerging powers in the Eastern Conference following their surprising playoff appearance last season and a handful of key acquisitions this summer.
With Michael Jordan becoming more open-minded about shelling out money for talent, the Hornets snatched shooting guard Lance Stephenson from the Indiana Pacers on a three-year, $27 million deal and inked Marvin Williams on a two-year, $14 million deal.
Still, the Hornets are far from becoming a major force in the East with both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls reloading their lineup. Many analysts think the Hornets are a talented young team with an outstanding nucleus of Kemba Walker, Al Jefferson and Stephenson, but a piece away from joining the elites.
The 28-year old Smith could be the piece they have been looking for. Hornets defense was outstanding last year, ranking fourth in the league points allowed per game (97.1). That defense could be even bolstered with Stephenson's perimeter defense. However, they would also need some shot-blocking presence. Smith could give it to them.
Smith averages 2.1 blocks and 7.9 rebounds a game in his career. Apart from his ability to score at least 15 points a game, J-Smoove's defensive acumen will put the Hornets' defense to another level, making them more impeccable on the defensive end. Smith will be a perfect rim protecting complement to dynamic lowpost scorer Al Jefferson, who isn't much known for his D.
For the trade to happen, the Hornets have to surrender some 'value.' They can send former no.2 overall pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Gerald Henderson along with draft considerations to sweeten the deal for the Pistons. Kidd-Gilchrist hasn't developed his offensive skills, but is already proven defender in the league. Meanwhile, Henderson can fill the void left by Rodney Stuckey, giving them some spark off the bench.
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