Josh Smith says signing minimum deal with Clippers will be harder on his family

Josh Smith didn't sign with the Los Angeles Clippers to make money. He could have commanded far more than the veteran's minimum elsewhere.

Of course, earning $5.4 million next season after being waived by the Detroit Pistons will certainly soften the blow. Altogether, Smith will be paid $6.9 million for the 2015-16 campaign.

But that doesn't change the fact that he could have wrangled a higher salary and more security with another team. He signed with the reloaded Clippers because they presented him with a golden opportunity to compete.

Smith emphasized that point in his introductory press conference.

"It wasn't about the money because of the Detroit situation," he said.

"At the end of the day, you know, I do have a family. So it is going to be a little harder on me this year. But I'm going to push through it and, you know, try to do something long term after this year. But I think this year focusing on doing something special with this group of guys."

Any time an NBA player complains about their salary, it evokes memories of Latrell Sprewell, who famously bemoaned the pressures of feeding his family while earning $14.6 million per year.

However, Smith appeared to be referring to security, rather than the money. He eschewed permanency for a chance to compete, which comes with the cost of moving his family around. Having spent the first nine seasons of his career in his hometown of Atlanta, he'll now suit up for his third team in just over a year.

After being waived last season, Smith latched on with the Houston Rockets, with whom he rehabbed his frayed public image. He averaged 12 points, six rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 25.5 minutes across 55 contests, helping the Rockets to a second-place finish in the West.