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The Kings have long been rumored to have an interest in Josh Smith, and the forward is now available after he was waived by the Detroit Pistons on Monday.
Sacramento is actively trying to upgrade its roster. Smith represents another option for the Kings at the power forward position, and the Kings are interested, according to a Yahoo Sports report.
Smith, a 6-foot-9 forward, was averaging 13.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game in a disappointing 5-23 start to the season for Detroit.
The Kings and Nets are involved in talks regarding a potential deal that would send Deron Williams to Sacramento in exchange for Darren Collison, Jason Thompson and Derrick Williams.
However, according to sources the Kings are coveting 6-foot-11 Mason Plumlee, but Brooklyn is reluctant to part with the 24-year-old former Duke Blue Devil.
[RELATED: Kings potential trade with Nets may not fly]
“We are shifting priorities to aggressively develop our younger players,” Detroit head coach and president of basketball operations Stan Van Gundy said in a statement.
“As we expand certain roles, others will be reduced. In fairness to Josh, being a highly versatile 10-year veteran in this league, we feel it’s best to give him his freedom to move forward.”
“We have full respect for Josh as a player and a person.”
Smith, who was taken with the 17th pick in the 2004 draft by Atlanta, is an 11-year veteran with career averages of 15.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 blocks, 1.3 steals and 34.2 minutes per game.
Kings have interest in signing soon to be free agent Josh Smith, source said. Per @WojYahooNBA, Kings could’ve traded for him last offseason
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) December 22, 2014