NBA Trade Rumors: Rockets are No. 1 Contenders to Sign Josh Smith

After the Detroit Pistons waived Josh Smith, rumors regarding where the small forward would end up started circulating quickly. According to several sources, the Houston Rockets are the number one contenders.

Jeff Zillgitt and Sam Amick with USA Today Sports wrote:

"As for where Smith might go next after he clears waivers (which is certainly expected), the Houston Rockets appear to be the frontrunners. The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks are also among the most intriguing options."

Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski added that the Rockets are the "strongest suitor to sign forward Josh Smith." Wojnarowski stated that the Rockets have tried to sign Smith in the past and might want to try to sign him now. In the summer of 2013, the Rockets attempted to acquire him from Atlanta but Smith ended up signing a four-year deal worth $56 million with the Pistons.

This time around, sources believe that Rockets Dwight Howard, who is close friends with Smith, can convince the forward to go to Houston.

Wojnarowski added, "Houston briefly discussed trade possibilities with Detroit this season, but it was impossible for the Rockets to have absorbed his salary without giving up Dwight Howard or James Harden, sources said."

Aside from the Rockets, Marc Stein with ESPN.com reported that the Miami Heat are also hoping to land Smith in free agency.

Stein wrote: "Sources told ESPN.com on Monday night that the Heat have launched the application process in hopes of being granted the exception before Smith picks his next team once he clears waivers. At present, Miami can offer only a $1.4 million veteran minimum contract to Smith, but a DPE after losing McRoberts would be valued at $2.65 million. Sources say the Houston Rockets, however, remain confident they have the inside track to land Smith even if Miami is granted a DPE this week, given Houston's clear need at power forward and Smith's close friendship with Rockets center Dwight Howard."

Smith was averaging 13.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 29 games.