His tenure in Detroit is a wrap
The Detroit Pistons have decided to part ways with veteran forward Josh Smith, waiving his $26 million contract and making way for more cap space. Smith was in trade talks for the past few weeks, but the Pistons did not find any offers worth exploring, so they decided to let him go. The Sacramento Kings were the only team willing to trade, according to reports.
The forward had underperformed again this season in a dismal start for Detroit with a 5-13 record, which is way under expectations they had when they started the year. The Pistons now look to rebuild, with this being the first step in that direction.
Coach and team president Stan Van Gundy had this to say about Smith:
“Our team has not performed the way we had expected throughout the first third of the season and adjustments need to be made in terms of our focus and direction. We are shifting priorities to aggressively develop our younger players while also expanding the roles of other players in the current rotation to improve performance and build for our future. As we expand certain roles, others will be reduced. In fairness to Josh, being a highly versatile 10-year veteran in this league, we feel it’s best to give him his freedom to move forward. We have full respect for Josh as a player and a person.”
If Josh clears waivers, he can become a free agent and sign with any team of his choosing. So far, the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers have shown interest, as well as the Dallas Mavericks, but only the Rockets can offer him non-minimum salary.
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