National Basketball Association

Why Josh Smith is a total wild card in free agency

Published Jun. 1, 2015 11:44 a.m. ET

foxsports

Even though he does not play for them, and will never ever again, the Detroit Pistons still owe Josh Smith a lot of money. Like, $5.4 million every year until 2019.

This gives the unrestricted free agent some serious flexibility as he fields offers this summer. Will Smith return to the Houston Rockets, jump on board with a different contender for the league minimum (knowing he's getting his money no matter what) or act like most players in his position and seek out the highest bidder?

It's a question that nobody knows the answer to, but Bleacher Report's Michael Pina sifts through several different scenarios to try and find one:

"In theory, he can be as flexible as he wants. With financial concerns out of the way, Smith can bring serious value to a championship contender that has limited means to improve (e.g., the Los Angeles Clippers). He can sign a one-year deal with the Miami Heat and offer frontcourt depth beside Chris Bosh, Hassan Whiteside and Josh McRoberts. He can take his talents to basketball utopia down in San Antonio or see if either 2015 Finals participant wants his two-way impact off its bench (both would sign him in a second)."

My, how the tables have turned. Smith was damaged goods six months ago. The Pistons couldn't get anything for him in a trade and felt eating his contract was their best option. But now Smith can take meetings with everybody.

No team is likely in danger of overpaying for a flawed yet talented 29-year-old, and the interest level should go through the roof.

(h/t: Bleacher Report)

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports

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