Houston's Josh Smith (L) tries to guard Golden State's Steph Curry during the 2015 Western Conference Finals. (Photo : Reuters)
The Sacramento Kings are reportedly still engaged in discussions with the Houston Rockets' high-flying forward Josh Smith, who became an unrestricted free agent this summer, although no deal is in the offing, as per Bleacher Report.
The 11-year veteran played most of his career in Atlanta before being traded to the Pistons in 2013. He signed a four-year contract with Detroit, but he was waived in December of last year and then the Rockets signed him after four days.
Smith became a reliable member of the deep Houston bench, wherein he averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds per game in 55 outings for the Rockets. It was the first time in his career to become a substitute player and the 29-year-old gladly accepted the challenge.
The former Oak Hill Academy standout was vocal about his intention to return to the Rockets, but it was on Houston's side that makes his future uncertain.
If ever a deal with the Kings is finalized, Smith would most likely come off the bench again to spell franchise player DeMarcus Cousins or close friend Rudy Gay in George Karl's starting unit.
The former Atlanta Hawk is versatile enough to cover both forward positions and could also be played as a starter at the four spot (with Cousins at five and Gay at three) subject to the progress of rookie center Willie Trill Cauley-Stein.
Meanwhile, Gay recently commented via his social media account that Smith would be "a king next." CBS Sports reported that Gay is one of the keenest recruiters of the former slam dunk champion as evidenced by apparent their off-court friendship.
