Pistons Release Josh Smith

The Detroit Pistons have made a surprising move today. The Detroit Pistons have waived veteran forward Josh Smith today. Smith, who still had about 26 million left on his contract after this season, was averaging 13.1 points per game with 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists all per game this season. The Pistons confirmed the transaction via their official Twitter page

OFFICIAL: The #Pistons have waived forward Josh Smith.

READ: http://t.co/J62Rsnd4He

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) December 22, 2014

Detroit Pistons head coach Steve Van Gundy had this to say about the release of 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,” coach and team president  Gundy said in a statement.

“We are shifting priorities to aggressively develop our younger players while also expanding the roles of other players in the current rotation to improve performance and build for our future. 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.”

Steve Van Gundy broke the news to Josh Smith personally, making sure everyone knew it wasn’t due to a incident that happened or anything. Smith is shooting under 40 percent from the field this season and under 50 percent so far this season from the free throw line.

Pistons will use the stretch provision on Josh Smith

— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) December 22, 2014

The remainder of Smith's contract will be stretched over the next five years

— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) December 22, 2014

It turns out the Pistons were aggressively trying to move Josh Smith, turns out no one was interested.

Had heard from a Pistons front office member that Detroit daily pursued Josh Smith trades with all 29 other NBA teams. Zero were interested.

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) December 22, 2014

Wow, the #pistons have just waived Josh Smith, a stunning decline for someone once considered rising star.

— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) December 22, 2014

Look for someone trying to make the playoffs or contend for a title pick up J-Smoove.

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