Josh Smith remains the subject of ongoing trade talks between the Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings.
The Kings, who lost point guard Isaiah Thomas to the Phoenix Suns, covet Smith’s versatility in a frontcourt that includes Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousiins.
Smith has three years, $40.5 million remaining on the contract he signed to join the Pistons as an unrestricted free agent last season.
The Pistons are under the direction of Stan Van Gundy, who was hired as president of basketball operations to oversee personnel and coach the team. What the Kings would part with in return is uncertain, but 2013 first-round pick Ben McLemore could be expendable considering the Kings added another shooting guard, Michigan’s Nik Stauskas.
Forwards Jason Thompson, Derrick Williams and point guard Jason Terry were rumored to be in the initial trade package from Sacramento, but that deal was rejected by Detroit. The Pistons are hopeful of shedding Smith’s salary, but a trade might demand involving a third team. Terry is owed $6 million for 2014-15, the final year of his contract.
Smith, 28, played for the Atlanta Hawks from 2004-13. He was the 17th overall pick in the 2004 draft out of Oak Hill Academy.