Report: Clippers, Josh Smith reach free agent agreement

A lot can change in two months.

One minute you’re the face of a historic comeback after being down 1-3 in the Western Conference semifinals. The next minute, you’re joining the thwarted team. That’s the case with unrestricted free agent Josh Smith who, per RealGM, has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Free agent Josh Smith has reached agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers, league sources tell RealGM.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 16, 2015

Smith, Clippers finalizing terms on deal in Los Angeles. Bottom line: Josh Smith has chosen a winning and defined role on title contender.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 16, 2015

“Over my pro career I have spent a lot of time in Houston with friends and family,” said Smith in a statement announcing him leaving the Rockets after spending half a season with the franchise. “Over the past year, while with the Rockets, the team, fans and people of Houston have made it a second home. I want to express my appreciation to everyone for the support of kindness they have showed me and my family while I have been here. Thank you!”

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After being waived from Detroit Pistons (a factor that plays huge in the Clippers securing Smith’s talents from a monetary perspective) Smith signed with the Houston Rockets to play out the second half of the 2015 season, averaging 12 points on 43-33-52 shooting splits, 6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. In the playoffs, eventually becoming a starter during the West semis, Smith averaged 13.5 points on 43 percent shooting, 5.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1 block in 17 games. On the surface of the signing, what’s clear is Smith is a clear upgrade from last years backup power forward (Glen Davis).

What remains up in the air following the signing is which Josh Smith the Clippers will be getting — the three-point happy Smith we saw in Detroit or the all-around role-player the Clippers witnessed up-close and personal in the playoffs. If more the latter than the former, then the Clippers have certainly improved their position in the Western Conference, even if you believe they’re fourth in the conference behind the reigning champion Golden State Warriors, the San Antonio Spurs plus LaMarcus Aldridge and David West, and an Oklahoma City Thunder team hoping health is in their favor for the first time since 2012.

Given the Clippers’ salary cap circumstances, the deal is for the veterans minimum (for a player of Smith’s NBA experience, that figure is $1.4 million). Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports the agreement is for one season.

Clippers deal with Josh Smith is for the minimum - despite the flaws, that's good value
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 16, 2015

Smith agreed to a 1 year deal for vet min. of $1.5 million, per source.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) July 16, 2015

Per Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com, Smith turned down a one-year deal from the Rockets worth $2.5 million to join the Clippers.

With the addition of Smith, the Clippers’ roster is now at 14, 15 if you include training camp invite Yanick Moreira.

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