A few days before the 2014 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings were rumored to be pursuing Pistons forward Josh Smith and where in talks with the Detroit Pistons for a potential sign-and-trade scenario. Then suddenly the rumors went quite for a couple of weeks... until now. Marc Stein of ESPN.com has reported that discussions have resumed between Sacramento and Detroit for a possible swap involving J-Smoove.
The Detroit Pistons and the Sacramento Kings have resumed trade discussions on a deal that could send Josh Smith to Sacramento, according to sources with knowledge of the talks. Sources told ESPN.com the Kings have continued to express interest in Smith and the parties are on the hunt for a third team that could help facilitate the deal.
Last month, the Pistons and Kings were in talks for a trade that would integrate Josh Smith to a formidable front court trio with DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay. The talks were never made final, but it would have involved Sacramento giving up Jason Thompson and either Derrick Williams or Jason Terry to the Pistons for Smith. They continued to discuss possible trade scenarios until July but the LeBron, Melo sweepstake forced them to temporary halt discussions.
Detroit was also seriously discussing different sign-and-trade frameworks with the Blazers for big man Greg Monroe but Portland pulled out of the discussions and instead opted to sign free-agent big man Chris Kaman to join Robin Lopez in the team's two-headed center rotation.
Kings owner Vivek Ranadive is looking to make a big splash in free agency and adding Josh Smith, who averaged 15.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 2.9 steals for the Pistons last season, should be considered as a major signing for the Kings this offseason. Bringing in Josh Smith could also be a move to lure Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, who shares a close relationship with the Pistons forward, to Sacramento.
If the Kings manage to pull a trade deal for Josh Smith then they would surely have a formidable front court that would be fun to watch in the coming season. If such a deal would eventually pave the way to acquiring Rajon Rondo, then Vivek Ranadive would have truly made a huge splash this offseason.
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