This isn’t quite how the Pistons envisioned things working out when they signed Josh Smith to a four-year, $54MM deal. In a shocker, the Pistons opted to waive Smith on Monday using the stretch provision. While his contract was unpalatable, teams quickly circled their wagons to pick up the high-flying forward. Ultimately, the Rockets won out, beating out the Mavericks, Cavaliers, Grizzlies, Lakers, Clippers, Grizzlies, and Kings. More from the week that was..
- Ray Allen is leaning toward retirement.
- Anderson Varejao will be sidelined for the remainder of the season with a torn Achilles.
- The Heat are eyeing Andray Blatche.
- The Rockets signed Kevin McHale to an extension.
- Right now it sounds like the Nuggets would prefer to hang on to Wilson Chandler.
- Talks between the Nets and Kings regarding Deron Williams aren’t completely dead. The Nets apparently decided months ago to break up their core and they’re more focused on moving Williams than Brook Lopez or Joe Johnson. There are conflicting reports on whether execs around the league expect Lopez to turn down his player option for next season.
- The Cavs have interest in twins Brook Lopez and Robin Lopez, but their respective salaries mean the acquisition of either is unlikely.
- The Kings are one of multiple teams to have called the Grizzlies about Kosta Koufos.
- The Rockets waived center Tarik Black after they couldn’t find an acceptable deal to open up a spot for Smith. The Rockets made Black, Isaiah Canaan, Joey Dorsey, Nick Johnson, and Clint Capela available, but couldn’t get anything to their liking.
- The Cavs and Celtics talked three-team trade ideas.
- The Pistons acquired Anthony Tolliver from the Suns in exchange for Tony Mitchell.
- The NBA granted the Heat a disabled player exception this week because of the injury to forward Josh McRoberts.
- Kenyon Martin would have interest in joining the Cavs.
- Free agent center Miroslav Raduljica is finalizing a deal to play with Minnesota for the remainder of the season.
- The 76ers re-signed Malcolm Thomas.
- Reggie Williams will join the Thunder’s D-League affiliate.
- The Sixers have asked Andrei Kirilenko to report to the team, but he continues to hold out.