In the last couple of days, trade talk has really heated up as the Boston Celtics finally shipped out Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks. There have been other trade rumors, but no other major moves have occurred since.
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That suddenly changed as the Detroit Pistons made a shocking move by releasing forward Josh Smith according to Yahoo! Sports’ Marc Spears:
The Pistons announce that they have waived Josh Smith. Wow.
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) December 22, 2014
With Smith’s contract having another two years and $26 million remaining, he will almost definitely clear waivers and become a free agent, clear to sign with any team of his choosing.
There have been no indications of the Los Angeles Lakers being interested and going after Smith, but the team could definitely use his defense, rebounding, and athleticism on the court.
Smith has averaged 13 points and seven rebounds this season to go along with over a block and a steal per game. However, he is shooting a career worst 39.1 percent from the field and never quite fit in with the Pistons as they tried to play him at small forward when he is likely better suited at the power forward position.
A 10-year veteran, Smith will likely be in high demand once he clears waivers as teams will try to sign him at least for the rest of this season. Bringing him in would definitely change the fortunes of the Lakers, if they are able to do so.
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