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5 NBA Teams That Could Sign Recently Waived Josh Smith

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By @MichaelTerrill

5 NBA Teams That Could Sign Recently Waived Josh Smith

Josh Smith
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The Detroit Pistons elected to cut ties with forward Josh Smith in shocking fashion on Monday. Even though the four-year, million contract the Pistons signed him to a couple of seasons ago clearly didn’t pan out, Detroit decided to cut their losses in a way they won’t have to continue paying his full contract price. With Smith now free to sign with whomever, here are the five teams that could use his services this season.

5. Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks
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5. Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks
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After trading for Rajon Rondo, the Dallas Mavericks have made it perfectly clear they are ready to make another championship run. Not to mention, Mark Cuban is willing to shell out for the necessary pieces to make that happen. That doesn’t automatically mean Smith is the right fit, but it does mean Dallas will take a serious look at him. Essentially, Smith would be taking less money for the opportunity to win a ring, which should be worth it.

4. Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers
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4. Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers
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With other teams showing championship potential in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Clippers must make a move to increase their chances of a higher playoff seed. The money isn’t available, which could easily turn Smith off. However, the right combination of players could be what it takes for him to believe he has a great chance to win with Los Angeles.

3. Miami Heat

Miami Heat
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3. Miami Heat

Miami Heat
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The loss of LeBron James left a gaping hole in the Miami Heat’s lineup. If the Heat wants to be competitive down the stretch and in the playoffs, assuming they get there, they will need another star player who has the potential to take games over offensively. Plus, Smith’s presence will take some of the pressure off Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, which should help the team be more productive.

2. Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets
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2. Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets
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First and foremost, Smith is going to sign with a team that can pay him the most money. That’s where the Houston Rockets step in. Houston is the lone team that can give him north of a minimum contract. Not to mention, the Rockets could use a big man who is capable of knocking down shots, although his shot-attempt total is a bit worrisome, and he could do wonders with Dwight Howard in the frontcourt.

1. Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings
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1. Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings
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By far and away, the most obvious team that could sign Smith is the Sacramento Kings. The main reason is because they have made it known for quite some time they would like him on the roster. They even attempted to trade for him earlier this season, which makes it even more of a head scratcher that the Pistons didn’t go for it. Clearly, the Kings would be taking a massive gamble, but it could be what they need to make some noise in the West.

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