NBA Trade Rumors and Free Agency News 2013: Josh and J.R Smith Likely To Play Together; Brandon Jennings Considering Bucks Return
Josh and J.R Smith, both products of the solid 2004 Draft Class, are reportedly being pursued by a rebuilding Eastern Conference team as free agency begins on Monday midnight.
The Smiths enter the free-agency period as two of the most-sought talents available in the market this offseason. And so far, the Detroit Pistons have shown interest in using their flexible cap room to signing both stars to lucrative deals.
Josh, the 17th overall pick in 2004 Draft, averaged 15.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.1 blocks over nine seasons with the Hawks. He becomes a free agent after Hawks management decided not to give him an extension last season.
Meanwhile, J.R has become a potent contributor off the bench after being selected 18th overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2004. Smith played for three teams (the Hornets, Denver Nuggets, and the New York Knicks) through his first nine seasons in the league, averaging 13.2 points and 3.2 boards. He's just coming off a breakout season with the Knicks after producing career-highs 18.1 points and 5.3 rebounds to earn the Sixth Man of the Year Award.
Meanwhile, Brandon Jennings has expressed his enthusiasm for re-signing with the Milwaukee Bucks for the next few seasons.
Taken 10th overall in 2009 Draft, Jennings averaged 17.0 points and 3.4 rebounds over four seasons with the Bucks. Jennings will become a restricted free-agent, giving the Bucks the right to match any offer sheet for Jennings.
"I definitely want to do more for the city and the franchise," Jennings told Chris Broussard of ESPN. "I want to make the playoffs and get out of the first round and become an All-Star for the Bucks. We haven't had one since Michael Redd so I want to be the first."
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