The Sacramento Kings have been busy this off-season trying to find a trade partner for the eighth pick in the upcoming 2014 NBA draft. Along with trying to move their lottery pick, the Kings also appear interested in acquiring Josh Smith from the Detroit Pistons, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein:
One source insists nothing imminent, but I'm told Pistons and Kings have discussed a trade that would send Josh Smith to Sacramento
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 24, 2014
After Smith signed with the Pistons as a free agent back in 2013, the struggling franchise was thought to be the verge of turning things around. The combination of Smith, Brandon Jennings, Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond had promise, but now the team might be moving in another direction with Stan Van Gundy calling the shots in Detroit.
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According to Stein, the move to bring in Smith could be to help Sacramento acquire perennial All-Star Rajon Rondo:
No word deal is imminent (yet) but Sacramento's well-known fondness for Rajon Rondo would help explain Kings' interest in his buddy JSmoove
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 24, 2014
Rondo is under contract with the Boston Celtics next season for $12.9 million and will become a free agent next summer. The veteran point guard will be one of the biggest names on the free agent market next year along with the likes of Kevin Love (player option), Marc Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge.
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With Rondo set to be a free agent in the summer of 2015, the Celtics may decide to trade the star point guard before the trade deadline to avoid losing him for nothing. Sacramento’s best bet would be to sign him in free agency, but first the team will want to acquire Smith and trade the eighth pick.
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