NBA Trade Rumors 2014 Update: Sacramento Kings Interested in Josh Smith, Rajon Rondo?
The Sacramento Kings are reportedly planning to make a strong push to acquire Detroit Pistons forward Josh Smith and Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo.
ESPN's Marc Stein reported on Thursday that the Kings have re-engaged in trade talks with the Pistons about a trade that would send Smith to Sacramento this summer.
Sources indicated that the Kings are planning to offer a trade package involving Jason Thompson and either Derrick Williams or Jason Terry, but the Pistons want more assets before parting ways with the 28-year-old forward, who averaged 16.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game last season.
Pistons beat writer Vincent Goodwill also reported that new coach and president of basketball operations Stan Van Gundy recently met with Smith to discuss his future and reportedly made no promise to the high-flying forward that he will not be traded this offseason.
Most executives are still unsure on how Smith will fit into the Kings roster that features emerging center DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay, but sources said that Kings coach Mike Malone wants to acquire the 10-year veteran for defensive purposes.
"The Kings continue to give the addition of Smith serious consideration, largely because the discussions to date have not required them to part with any players in their long-term plans and would also add a versatile and athletic defender to a roster that badly needs one, given how much Kings coach Mike Malone is known to preach defense," Stein wrote.
The Kings have also been trying to acquire Celtics superstar point guard Rajon Rondo since before last season's trade deadline, but they were unsuccessful after numerous attempts.
One factor that is making the Rondo-to-Kings deal unlikely at this point is Rondo's unwillingness to move to Sacramento. Stein reported that the Kings might get a long-term commitment from Rondo if they can acquire Smith from the Pistons this offseason.
"Another potential bonus is Smith's close relationship with Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, whom Sacramento has been targeting in trade talks for some time," Stein wrote.
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