Free Agent Josh Smith is going to the Rockets

By Cheri Cheng - 25 Dec '14 09:18AM

Josh Smith, who was waived by the Detroit Pistons on Monday, has decided to sign with the Houston Rockets, multiple sources reported. The Rockets have yet to confirmed the news.

When the Pistons waived Smith, 29, who had more than two years left in his four-year, $54 million contract, rumors hinted that Smith would go to Houston to reunite with his friend and former teammate Dwight Howard. Other rumors stated that the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies were also interested in acquiring the forward. After his waivers were cleared on Wednesday, Smith has decided to go with the Rockets.

"Dwight the player was big," a source close to Smith said reported by the Washington Post. "Dwight the person didn't hurt, let's be honest."

"It's an exciting time for me," Smith told FOX26 Sports. "Being able to be reunited with a good friend and one of the best teammates I ever played with, I think we can definitely do something special. Playing beside the best two-guard in the game right now in James Harden, what more can you ask for."

In regards to hearing about the Rockets' interest in him, Smith stated, "It means a lot. It's always been a big interest on their behalf. Now we came together, and being able to be wanted by a team with so much dynamics as far as having a chance to win the title is very special and very humbling."

Marc Stein with ESPN.com reported that the Rockets have guaranteed Smith a starting spot if he chose to sign with them. The Rockets were also able to offer $2.1 million instead of the league's minimum of $1.4 million. Smith was averaging 13.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists with the Pistons.

Smith added, "I think I can add to their toughness. I think I can add to their versatility at the four position, being able to pass the basketball and score the ball down low. Just add another basketball IQ, which will help when we make it to the postseason."

The Rockets are currently three games behind the Golden State Warriors and half a game behind the Grizzlies in the Western Conference. They will host the Grizzlies on Friday.