The
Detroit Pistons on Monday waived veteran forward
Josh Smith, who still had two years and $26 million remaining on his contract after this season.
The veteran forward was averaging 13.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game this season.
"Our team has not performed the way we had expected throughout the first third of the season and adjustments need to be made in terms of our focus and direction," coach Stan Van Gundy said in a statement.
"We are shifting priorities to aggressively develop our younger players while also expanding the roles of other players in the current rotation to improve performance and build for our future. As we expand certain roles, others will be reduced. In fairness to Josh, being a highly versatile 10-year veteran in this league, we feel it's best to give him his freedom to move forward. We have full respect for Josh as a player and a person."
If Smith clears waivers over the next 48 hours, he will have the right to go elsewhere as a free agent.
The Pistons acquired Smith as a free agent after the 2012-13 season. In 105 games with Detroit, he averaged 15.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists.