Soon-to-be free agent Josh Smith likely won't be on the market for long. A number of teams are interested in the ex-Detroit Pistons forward, including the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets.
Smith's release from Detroit came unexpectedly, but he's unlikely to be employed for long if he clears waivers on Wednesday. Two teams standout as the two likeliest to land Smith: Miami and Houston, because both teams can potentially offer him more money than anybody else.
"The Heat have formally applied to the league office for a Disabled Player Exception in the wake of Josh McRobert's season-ending knee injury in a move they hope will help them land free agent Josh Smith, according to league sources," ESPN's Marc Stein wrote Tuesday. "Sources told ESPN.com on Monday night that the Heat have launched the application process in hopes of being granted the exception before Smith picks his next team one he clears waivers."
If the league grants Miami the DPE, the team would have $2.65 million to spend on the acquisition of a player. While Miami's potential offer puts them near the top of the list in terms of what teams can offer Smith, Houston still appears to be the frontrunner.
The Rockets not only have a bi-annual exception worth more than $2 million, they have star center Dwight Howard. The perennial All-Star could be the key in luring Smith, who's been close friends with Howard since childhood. One would have to assume Howard has already spoken to Smith, and Howard wasn't shy about sharing with the media just how great of an addition Smith would be in Houston.
"He would be a good piece," Howard told the Houston Chronicle. "He would fit right in. He can play on the perimeter, attack the basket. A guy like him and myself in the paint, it would be a tough for guys to get in there and try to score."
In addition to Miami and Houston, Smith's list of suitors reportedly includes: the Los Angeles Clippers, the Dallas Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings.
