Josh Smith is one of the notable free agents left on the market and teams like the Sacramento Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers Free, LA Clippers, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors and NY Knicks could be interested in signing the forward and this comes after he played with the Rockets and Detroit Pistons last season.
Smith is on the market after finishing the season with the Rockets and that came after he was waived by the Pistons in the middle of the year. Smith has had reported interest from the Kings and the Clippers, while the Rockets also could be interested in bringing him back. According to the Houston Chronicle, GM Daryl Morey said ahead of the start of free agency that the team would consider Smith as an option, but Jonathan Feigen writes that they may not have much money to get it done.
Smith likely wants to take some offers to see what he can generate on the market and if he gets too expensive, the Rockets are likely out of it. The team brought back Patrick Beverley on a four year deal worth $25 million, while Corey Brewer is also reportedly returning as a free agent. Those deals could push Smith elsewhere and the Kings are a potential landing spot after the team showed interest in him earlier in the season.
The Kings made a push for Wesley Matthews and missed out, but they were able to sign Rajon Rondo and it looks like they are not trading DeMarcus Cousins. The Kings are hoping to be somewhat relevant next season and adding Smith could be an option. The team signed Marco Belinelli to a deal as well and there is a chance they could trade Rudy Gay to try and acquire another quality piece. Smith would be a solid addition, as he is a consistent scorer and comes in after averaging 12 points and six rebounds for the Rockets and Pistons last season.
Check here for more on the Clippers interest in Smith and his other suitors from FOX Sports.
The Kings reportedly met with Smith earlier in free agency and Ramona Shelburne reported a couple days ago that the Clippers are "interested" in Josh Smith. The team has a tough cap situation and they have made some other moves that could keep them from signing Smith. The Clippers are going through some major changes after losing DeAndre Jordan and they just signed Wesley Johnson to a deal. Johnson joins Paul Pierce on the roster and that could push the team out of their previous Smith interest.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a potential landing spot, but only if Smith takes close to a minimum deal and right now that is unlikely. But the Cavs are looking to add some scoring, as ESPN reports the team has looked into a trade for Jamal Crawford and a deal for Joe Johnson. Smith may not fit in well alongside LeBron James, but if those other deals do not work out, Smith could be an option. JR Smith is also on the market and if the Cavs don't bring him back it could leave the door open for a deal. Smith likely will get a deal, but he may not end up returning to Houston this season.
