National Basketball Association

Reports: Josh Smith commits to signing with the Houston Rockets

Published Dec. 24, 2014 1:19 p.m. ET

foxsports

Josh Smith has commited to sign with the Houston Rockets, according to Yahoo Sports/FOX Sports 1 NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski.

Smith told FOX26 Sports that a big reason for his choice is to reunite with good friend and former AAU teammate Dwight Howard.

"It's an exciting time for me," Smith told FOX26 Sports. "Being able to be reunited with a good friend and one of the best teammates I ever played with, I think we can definitely do something special.

"Playing beside the best two-guard in the game right now in James Harden, what more can you ask for."

Smith, who was released by the Detroit Pistons on Monday, reportedly wanted a guaranteed starting spot, and picked a team that looks like a lock to reach the playoffs.

"I can add to their toughness," Smith told FOX26. "I think I can add to their versatility at the four position, being able to pass the basketball and score the ball down low. Just add another basketball IQ, which will help when we make it to the postseason."

The reports of Smith's commitment to the Rockets comes just hours after reports that head coach Kevin McHale has agreed to a three-year contract extension with Houston worth nearly $13 million.

Smith signed a $54 million, four-year deal with the Pistons before last season, but shot only 42 percent from the field in 2013-14. This season, Smith is at 39 percent.

The 29-year-old forward's poor perimeter shooting had been a problem for Detroit, but he does fill up the stat sheet, averaging 13.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and a career-best 4.7 assists this season.

Smith will clear waivers later Wednesday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.