Josh Smith trade talks have resumed between Pistons and Kings

[saltlover]

I'm not quite sure I understand why they need a third team in the deal.

I also find it interesting that Portland discussed a sign and trade with Detroit for Monroe, I wonder what the asking price was.

Because Sacramento doesn't have anything interesting to Detroit that Sacramento doesn't want to save for offering to Boston for Rondo.  And they're right on this.  They know what Ainge's asking price is, but they don't want to pay it if Rondo leaves.  They'll never get 100% assurance, but if they've got his best friend locked up for three years, and future all-star in Cousins locked up for 5, convincing Rondo to stay will be easier, and thus worth the risk for them.

Detroit meanwhile wants out of Smith's deal for a number of reasons (one of them that Monroe hates playing with Smith, and they'd rather have Monroe.)  But they're still team-building, and don't want to trade Smith for pieces that don't fit (specifically Williams).  So they want a third team who has a small forward they're not in love with for a price similar to Williams who might be willing to take a chance that the #2 pick from 2011 still has something to prove.

At least, that's how I read the situation.

[SHAQATTACK]

Smith on has a short time left before he enters the Danny Grainger stage of his career ,  or a backup role off the bench for the rest of his NBA career.

Glade we didn't add him to our team and saddled with a huge contract and his sorry output of late.

[Moranis]

I'm not quite sure I understand why they need a third team in the deal.

I also find it interesting that Portland discussed a sign and trade with Detroit for Monroe, I wonder what the asking price was.

Because Sacramento doesn't have anything interesting to Detroit that Sacramento doesn't want to save for offering to Boston for Rondo.  And they're right on this.  They know what Ainge's asking price is, but they don't want to pay it if Rondo leaves.  They'll never get 100% assurance, but if they've got his best friend locked up for three years, and future all-star in Cousins locked up for 5, convincing Rondo to stay will be easier, and thus worth the risk for them.

Detroit meanwhile wants out of Smith's deal for a number of reasons (one of them that Monroe hates playing with Smith, and they'd rather have Monroe.)  But they're still team-building, and don't want to trade Smith for pieces that don't fit (specifically Williams).  So they want a third team who has a small forward they're not in love with for a price similar to Williams who might be willing to take a chance that the #2 pick from 2011 still has something to prove.

At least, that's how I read the situation.

I think you are spot on.  I actually wouldn't mind taking a flyer on Williams, but don't really see how it is possible for Boston to realistically make that sort of trade work (because Boston isn't giving up Green for Williams without more back and neither team is giving more back).

[gpap]

How about a 3 way involving the Celts?

Celts get Rudy Gay, Ben McLemore and Derrick Williams
Sactown gets Rondo, Green and Josh Smith
Detroit gets Brandon Bass and a future pick from Sacramento

[jay]

Sac would be fun with Gay, Smith, and Rondo.  We would have to get Monroe.


Boston gets Monroe, Williams, McLemore

Sac gets Rondo, Smith

Detroit gets Bass, Green, Olynyk, picks?