The Detroit Pistons and the Sacramento Kings reportedly are discussing a potential trade involving forward Josh Smith. Sacramento trading for Smith could help the Kings in their pursuit for Boston Celtics star Rajon Rondo, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
Detroit's experiment last season with Smith, Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond failed. Despite the $40.5 million remaining on Smith's three-year contract, Sacramento discussed a trade for him last month. The talks stalled then, but they reportedly have been reopened.
"(Detroit and Sacramento) have resumed trade discussions on a deal that could send Josh Smith to Sacramento, according to sources with knowledge of the talks," Stein wrote Thursday. "Sources told ESPN.com the Kings have continued to express interest in Smith and the parties are on the hunt for a third team that could help facilitate the deal."
Acquiring Smith would create a frontcourt of him, DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay. Stein also said picking up Smith could provide another benefit: Help in possibly landing Rondo and signing him to a long-term deal.
"Another potential bonus is Smith's close relationship with Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, whom Sacramento has been targeting in trade talks for some time," Stein wrote.
The Kings are enamored with Rondo and have been routinely linked to trade talks for the All-Star. Celtics president Danny Ainge reportedly is willing to put Rondo on the trade block if the Celtics is unable to acquire Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love, who looks unlikely to land in Boston.
The Celtics also drafted point guard Marcus Smart in June, making Rondo, who's in the final year of his contract, seemingly expendable.
