Josh Smith's "primary destination" said to be the Celtics
I keep hearing Josh Smith's primary destination is Boston.
— Gery Woelfel (@GeryWoelfel) February 14, 2013
"Primary destination" can mean trade destination or as a free agent.
It's been well documented the immensely talented, immensely frustrating Smith is a good friend of Rajon Rondo. The Celtics have previously turned down notions of trading for the enigmatic big man that can dunk on anyone, block shots all day, pass and steal. With all the injuries this year, even if the Celtics wanted to, they simply don't have the assets or salaries to make a deal for Smith without reducing the roster to about four players.
In light of Kevin Garnett's recent hints of retirement at season's end, maybe it's option B. If the Big Ticket does retire, here's hoping he doesn't, it would take around $12.5 million off the books for next year. That wouldn't be enough to sign Smith as he has expressed a strong desire to get a max-level contract.
So, Danny Ainge would have to trade away a player making around $5 million to a team with the cap space next year for a late first or second round draft pick in order to bring in Smith. That means Terry, Bass or Lee. If Pierce also retires then Smith can be signed outright.
Even though it seems like Smith has been in the league forever, he's still just 27. He's not quite as athletic as five years ago, but Smith certainly fills up the stat sheet. He's averaging 17.1 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 4 apg and 2.1 blocks per game with a PER of 17.47.
The biggest issue with Smith is his attitude and maturity. All that talent in the paint doesn't amount to much when he's sitting behind the three-point line trying to prove to everyone he can shoot. No, Josh, you can't. The guy is a career 28.7% three-point shooter. He's also volatile and could clash with Doc or Rondo if things don't go a certain way.
With all that said, if Garnett and Pierce do retire, Rondo, Bradley, Green, Sullinger and Smith sounds like a nice core of players to continue on with after the Big Three Era.
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