Josh Smith (Photo : Getty Images)
Josh Smith and Ty Lawson remain available in free agency, but they may still find a new home before the regular season starts, with plenty of teams still unfinished in completing their roster.
Josh Smith and Ty Lawson are two quality free agents remaining in free agency, but both remain unsigned after underperforming with their respective teams last season.
Smith, who joined the Los Angeles Clippers last season before getting traded to the Houston Rockets, saw himself completely in a reduced role with both teams, while playing very limited minutes off the bench. Likewise, Lawson was expected to be a solid piece for the Rockets, but was a shell of himself that led to him getting traded to the Indiana Pacers, where he was also hardly a factor.
However, Smith and Lawson there is no doubting what both veterans can do when playing for the right time and if given ample minutes on the floor. With most of the teams already geared for the regular season, it would be difficult for Smith and Lawson to find a new team. But the Brooklyn Nets seem a perfect destination for both players.
It is no secret the Nets lack talent in their roster, despite signing Jeremy Lin and a handful of veterans in Luis Scola and Randy Foye. The failed deal for Allen Crabbe and Tyler Johnson emptied the Nets of two promising talents this summer, which could force them to consider other veterans on a short and friendly deal.
Smith, who averaged 6.6 points and 2.9 rebounds with the Rockets last season, would add depth to the Nets' frontcourt. He would fit playing for an up-tempo offense, which is expected for the Nets after signing Lin, and could share minutes with Escola and Trevor Booker at the four spot.
Lawson, on the other hand, would serve as a solid backup to Lin. The Nets already have Greivis Vasquez as the team's second playmaker, but if Lawson could return to his old form, the Nets could form a scary backcourt tandem to challenge some of the best teams in the league.
It remains to be seen whether the Nets would develop interests in adding Smith or Lawson, but the Nets still have plenty of cap room to strike a cheap deal to bring either of the two to Brooklyn. While adding Smith and Lawson won't guarantee the Nets to become strong contenders, it is a deal worth the risk, especially if both players could play good basketball this season.
