|
 Smith, 29, still had two years and at least $26 million remaining
on his contract after this season.
The 6-foot-9, 225-pound Smith has averaged 13.1 points, 7.2 rebounds
and 4.7 assists this season. In 105 games with the Pistons, he
averaged 15.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
"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, he will have the right to go elsewhere as a
free agent.
- - -
New York Knicks center Samuel Dalembert was fined $15,000 for
elbowing Jonas Valanciunas of the Toronto Raptors in the face during
Sunday's game.
Dalembert's actions, which resulted in a flagrant-foul 2 and his
subsequent ejection, occurred with 10:59 remaining in the third
quarter of the game, won by the Raptors 118-108.
- - -
[to top of second column] |
The Atlanta Hawks recalled forward/center Adreian Payne from the
Austin Spurs of the NBA Development League on Monday.
Payne has appeared in 11 D-League games this season (six with Fort
Wayne and five with Austin), averaging 13.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and
2.3 assists in 29.1 minutes. In Sunday night's win over Rio Grande
Valley, he had 18 points and nine rebounds.
- - - (Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)
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