The Los Angeles Clippers today announced that the team traded forward Josh Smith, the draft rights to Sergei Lishouck, and cash considerations to the Houston Rockets in exchange for the draft rights to Maarty Leunen.
Smith, who played for the Rockets last year and helped them eliminate the Clippers from the playoffs, will now be reunited with longtime friend and Houston center, Dwight Howard.
The Clippers signed Smith as a free agent this past offseason with the expectation that his size, athleticism, and offensive versatility would give Los Angeles' bench a major upgrade. Smith, however, failed to perform as expected, as the 11-year NBA veteran appeared in 32 games (1 start), averaging 5.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 14.3 minutes per game.
Even with star forward Blake Griffin out due to injury, Smith has not seen a significant increase in playing time, as head coach Doc Rivers has preferred using Cole Aldrich, Paul Pierce, and Luc Mbah a Moute instead. Smith has racked up several DNP-CD's since Griffin's injury.
One reason for the lack of playing time was a likely chemistry issue, as it had previously been reported that Smith had a heated argument with a member of the coaching staff this season.
Originally selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 17th pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, Smith has appeared in 868 career regular season games with Atlanta, Detroit, Houston and the Clippers and owns career averages of 14.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.0 blocks in 32.9 minutes.
Leunen, 30, was a stand-out at the University of Oregon and the 54th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by Houston. Leunen currently plays for Scandone Avellino of the Italian Serie A.
The rights to Lishouck, 32, were acquired by the Clippers on Jan. 7, 2015 from the Philadelphia 76ers. Originally drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 49th overall selection of the 2004 NBA Draft, Lishouck currently plays for UCAM Murcia in Spain.
By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services
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