HOUSTON – Josh Smith has agreed to sign a deal with the Houston Rockets, according to Yahoo Sports.
The free agent forward will likely sign a deal with the team once he clears waivers on Wednesday.
Smith is a longtime friend of Rockets center Dwight Howard and Howard says he is excited about them playing together again. The two previously played AAU basketball in Atlanta.
The Rockets have coveted Smith since the summer of 2013.
Smith last played with the Detroit Pistons. The veteran forward was let go Monday by the Pistons less than halfway into his four-year, $54 million contract.
Smith also played for his hometown Atlanta Hawks, where he spent the first nine seasons of his career.
He is often referred to by his nickname of "J-Smoove."
Smith is now averaging 13.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game this season.