Report: Josh Smith to Kings deal not imminent

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The Detroit Pistons are willing to part with mercurial forward Josh Smith, but they won't do it for free.

That's the sentiment within the Pistons' think-tank, according to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press. The Sacramento Kings, who are reportedly interested in Smith, figured the Pistons would readily part with the remainder of his three-year, $40.5 million contract without recourse, but that is apparently not the case.

In fact, the Pistons are reportedly prepared to bring Smith back for a second season if the right price isn't met.

The 28-year-old Smith is clearly talented, but finds himself in an awkward situation in Detroit. The skilled forward is more suited to play the four on offense, but has been forced to the perimeter due to the presence of more traditional bigs Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond. 

Smith is ill-suited to play small forward, as he has a penchant for launching three-pointers, which he is not very good at making. He shot a whopping 3.4 threes per game last season, and only connected on 26.4 percent of them.

[H/T Pro Basketball Talk]