Another day, another trade rumor before the draft. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein The Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings have discussed a deal involving Pistons Forward Josh Smith going to Sacramento for Jason Thompson and Derrick Williams. Stein also stated Jason Terry could be another option to be sent to Detroit. This is a deal that I’m not sure helps either team. Jason Thompson is still owed about $23 million through 2016-2017 season. It still isn’t as bad as Smith’s $56 million owed through 2016-2017 though.
I see this deal as a bad contract swap and Thompson at one point showed some potential averaging 12.5 PPG and 8.5 REB but after receiving an extension and several coaches later Thompson fell out of the rotation. Don’t be surprised if Jason Terry is included in the deal though. Stan Van Gundy loves outside shooters and Detroit could use a veteran presence in the locker room as well. This isn’t going to shake up either conference, but could get interesting if Detroit obtains Sacramento’s lottery pick which hasn’t been mentioned in the talks.
