NBA: Rockets sign forward Smith after Detroit departure

Josh Smith. AP FILE PHOTO

HOUSTON, United States – Josh Smith, a standout forward dropped at the start of the week by the Detroit Pistons, signed a new NBA deal Friday with the Houston Rockets, the team announced.

The move came after the Pistons released Smith on Monday, less than halfway into a four-year contract that had been worth $54 million (44 million euros). The new contract was reportedly for one year at $2 million (1.6 million euros).

Smith, 29, had averaged 13.1 points and 7.2 rebounds over 28 games this season for Detroit.

Houston center Dwight Howard was a team-mate of Smith’s when both played on an amateur club in Atlanta.

Smith has career averages of 15.4 points and 7.8 rebounds over 781 games with Atlanta and

Detroit.

The Rockets released forward Tarik Black to make roster room for Smith. Black averaged 4.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in 25 games this season.

At 20-7, the Rockets rank fourth in the Western Conference, just behind Memphis (21-7) in a fight for the Southwest division lead.