The Detroit Pistons are reportedly on the brink of pulling off a big move on the trading block, and sources close to situation reported that small forward Josh Smith could finally be moved before the February 19 trade deadline.
Smith, who has been the subject of trade chatter ever since he joined the Detroit Pistons on a four-year, $54 million deal in 2013, is widely expected to be dealt to another ball club in the coming weeks as the Pistons try to fix their roster.
Averaging 12.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game (his lowest statistical line since the 2005-2006 season), Smith has received criticisms for his brow-raising shot selections and subpar field-goal shooting. After 15 games, the forward shot a career low 38 percent from the field and 25 percent from the three-point line.
According to Mary Stevens of Basketball Insiders, Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy would not hesitate to trade Smith, if the offer would help them address several issues on the team.
"They are off to a rough start so I wouldn't be surprised if he makes some moves before the trade deadline to help improve the team." Stevens said of Van Gundy's potential move on trading Smith.
However, getting rid of Smith won't be easy because of the players' massive contract ($13.5 million each of the next three seasons). The Houston Rockets have expressed their interest in trading for the versatile forward, but the team doesn't longer have the assets to make their package enticing.
The only viable trade destination available for Smith is the resurging Sacramento Kings, who are willing to send their young players (Derrick Williams, Jason Thompson & Ben McLemore) in exchange for the veteran big man.
"The team has gotten off to a rather unexpected slow start and is 3-10 thus far. Smith hasn't performed to the standards of his contract and, because of that, the Pistons have to be listening to any offer that might come their way. The biggest problem with trying to move Smith is the fact that he's owed $13.5 million in each of the next three seasons," as reported by Cody Taylor of Basketball Insiders.
With the Pistons still pretty inexperienced to make the push towards the postseason, Smith will likely be the trade chip the team is going to use in acquiring more assets for speedy rebuilding. On the other hand, the Kings has always viewed Smith as the missing piece for them to make that jump into the next level.
