The Detroit Pistons announced today the club has requested waivers on forward Josh Smith.
“Our team has not performed the way we had expected throughout the first third of the season and adjustments need to be made in terms of our focus and direction,” said Stan Van Gundy, Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations for the Detroit Pistons. "As we expand certain roles, others will be reduced. In fairness to Josh, being a highly versatile 10-year veteran in this league, we feel it’s best to give him his freedom to move forward. We have full respect for Josh as a player and a person.”
The 6-foot-9, 225-pound forward has averaged 13.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting 39.1% from the field, 24.3% from three point range and 46.8% from the free throw line.
The Pistons still owe Smith $27 million following this season. Detroit will pay $5.4 million a year over the next five years on a stretch provision for Smith, creating an additional $8.1 million in cap space next two summers.