Much of how that situation plays out will come down to the Rockets’ pursuit of Dwight Howard and Chris Paul, with Smith appearing to be the consolation prize at this point. That might not be a bad thing at all for Smith, as there is a real possibility that both he and Howard could end up joining a Houston team that already made the playoffs this season with James Harden, Jeremy Lin, Omer Asik, and Chandler Parsons. The Rockets are considered a team on the rise in the Western Conference and could offer Smith a maximum deal regardless of whether or not they bring on Howard, so it looks as though Houston will provide his best opportunity, where the Rockets would become a payperhead.com/sportsbook-software favorite.
Of course, when it comes down to the money there is no team that can offer him more than the Atlanta Hawks, but there are questions about whether or not they would give him a maximum deal. The Hawks are said to be big players in the Howard-Paul sweepstakes, but if they end up failing to sign either one it may be hard not to try and resign Smith. A lot of it will come down to the money and term, and Smith’s desire to play there even without Howard and Paul. The Rockets seem like the better fit, but there is still a chance Smith could be back in Atlanta.
Another good fit but a more unlikely situation would see Smith joining the Boston Celtics as they are currently constructed, with Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Jeff Green all already there. However, the Celtics have been among the most talked about teams these last couple of days because of rumors that Garnett and head coach Doc Rivers will end up with the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason, so the reality is Smith might not even get the chance to play with them. Still, Rondo and Green are two quality pieces and Smith would be the third on a new-look Boston team.
One final possibility for Smith is a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, which would have to make some moves in order to bring him in. The Lakers could use a pure scoring wing with the size and skill level of Smith, and he may just like a chance to play with Kobe Bryant, Howard, and company in Los Angeles. There have been plenty of rumors swirling around Hollywood and a lot can change at a price per head bookie moments notice, but right now the Lakers could be a good fit albeit an unlikely fit for Smith as a free agent.
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