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Let the fun begin! ESPN's Marc Stein broke some interesting news today with word that the Kings could be in the running to trade for Detroit Forward Josh Smith.
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
One potential scenario, I'm told, would send Smith to Kings for Jason Thompson and Derrick Williams. Jason Terry might be another option
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 24, 2014
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
Immediate focus for Kings, though, is dealing No. 8 pick, which looks increasingly inevitable between now and Thursday's draft proceedings
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 24, 2014
Smith signed a 4 year, $54 million deal with Detroit last summer but failed to live up to expectations, averaging a career-low in efficiency, all while Detroit failed to make the playoffs in a very weak Eastern Conference. New President of Basketball Operations Stan Van Gundy will obviously be looking to make some changes and ridding the team of Smith's contract would be a good first step.
For Sacramento, this trade would be similar to the one in which they acquired Rudy Gay, getting a big talent who underperformed for as few assets as possible. The Kings would be betting that Smith returns to his Atlanta form and perhaps focuses more on his all-around game rather than his offense with Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins facing the biggest burdens there.
Should the Kings acquire Smith though, that means they will have a huge amount of money invested in a frontline of Cousins, Smith and Gay going forward, assuming the Kings and Gay work out an extension this summer.
* UPDATE * - 2:15pm
Keep in mind that a lot can happen between now and Thursday, but Jonathan Givony (Draft Express) says the deal is "DEAD" as of this morning.
Rumored Sacramento-Detroit trade is "dead" according to a team source. Talks were ongoing for a few days, but Detroit nixed it this morning.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 24, 2014
* UPDATE * - 3:06pm
Stein JUST posted a full story regarding the rumored trade talks on ESPN. He notes that both teams have "continued to exchange proposals," and indicated that Jason Terry and/or Carl Landry could be possibilities to replace Derek Williams in a potential deal. You can read the full story HERE. Obviously the timing of the publication of Stein's story would seem to contradict Givony's report that the deal is "dead." But, It's uncertain at this point whether Stein is simply operating under the impression that the talks are still very much in progress, or if he's reporting on older intel.
ESPN link to latest on this week's Josh Smith-to-Sacramento trade talks - http://t.co/z539bUevhR
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 24, 2014