Josh Smith is close to signing with the Clippers. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Smith agreed to a one-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Smith, a key reserve for the Houston Rockets after a buyout of his contract with the Detroit Pistons last season, would replace Jamal Crawford as the first scorer off the bench.
The Clippers are expected to announce the deal is official this weekend.
Los Angeles had a very productive offseason considering limiting cap space available and the players the Clippers wound up with — center DeAndre Jordan re-signed, as did backup point guard Austin Rivers, and the Clippers landed Paul Pierce, Cole Aldrich and Smith.
Smith, 29, averaged 12.6 points per game with the Pistons and Rockets last season. He joined Houston in December.
The Rockets offered Smith a one-year, $2.5 million contract and the Orange County Register reported at least one other team made the versatile small forward an official offer.
