Houston Rockets Rumors: Josh Smith, Sacramento Kings Deal Option After Corey Brewer, Patrick Beverley Signed? Rudy Gay, Rajon Rondo Recruit with DeMarcus Cousins

Jul 06, 2015 11:01 AM EDT
Josh Smith
Houston Rockets star Josh Smith celebrates a shot during a 2015 playoff game."

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey meant it when he said his priority this season was to re-sign the team's own free agents. The Rockets chased a few big names once the market opened up including Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge, but ultimately re-signed in-house talent. However, one name still remains up for the taking as Josh Smith sits without a contract heading into the second week of free agency.

The Rockets made two big moves before the Fourth of July holiday. The team opted to re-sign both Patrick Beverley and Corey Brewer who were both gaining attention from other teams. According to the Associated Press, the Rockets inked Beverley to a four-year, $23 million  contract after teams like the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks were pushing hard to acquire him. Brewer also got a new contract to the tune of three years and $23.4 million after interest was growing around his name.

So for now, the Rockets have made no other upgrades to the roster outside of drafting Sam Dekker. The biggest question is what happens to Smith now. Smith saw his stock raise during the postseason when he was a critical piece to the Rockets run to the Western Conference finals. After a disastrous stint with the Detroit Pistons, Smith came to Houston and rebuilt his reputation as a solid offensive performer. Now he is looking to get paid for his services.

According to Jake Fischer of the Boston Globe, the Sacramento Kings are targeting Smith with a contract after missing out on Monta Ellis and Wesley Matthews. Rudy Gay took the Snapchat to declare that Smith will be signing with the Kings writings, "He a King next" on a post. While no contract has yet to be reported, the Kings do have Rajon Rondo under a new deal and his friendship with Smith could really influence the decision. The two were high school teammates and came close to reuniting in Dallas, but Smith went to Houston instead. The Kings are willing to spend the money which could leave Houston without the guard for next year.

James Harden told the Houston Chronicle that he wanted everyone back with the Rockets next season. That includes Smith, but he is likely looking for more than the one-year deal he signed last season. Houston might not be able to afford him.

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