The Detroit Pistons are exploring trade options for forward Josh Smith less than a year after signing him to a four-year, $54 million deal, other team executives told Grantland's Zach Lowe. While the Pistons seem quick to revert course and shed the forward's hefty price tag, they aren't willing to do it just to free up $13.5 million of cap space annually.
NBA trade rumors: Pistons shopping Josh Smith
The Detroit Pistons are looking to trade the forward they signed to a big contract this offseason, but they want more than financial freedom.
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
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General manager Joe Dumars reportedly wants more than expiring contracts, and at this rate, it seems unlikely he finds a taker hours before the trade deadline.
Moving Smith would allow the Pistons to more capably attack forward Greg Monroe’s upcoming free agency.
Smith certainly hasn't helped his market value this season. He's shooting a career-low 41.7 percent from the floor and hitting 22.5 percent from three-point range while taking 3.5 per game. Playing within a cluttered frontcourt that also includes Monroe and big man Andre Drummond hasn't been kind, nor has the turnover on the bench with coach Maurice Cheeks being relieved of his duties 10 days before the trade deadline.
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