Josh Smith
May 27, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) drives to the basket as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and center Andrew Bogut (12) defend during the third quarter in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. REUTERS/Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Clippers have added more depth in their current roster for the 2015-2016 NBA regular season after acquiring unrestricted free agent Josh Smith. The 29-year-old power forward reportedly joined the Clippers for a one-year veteran’s minimum deal as reported by Fox Sports.

The all-star power forward will only earn $1.5 million, but is due to get $5.4 million a year from the Detroit Pistons through the 2019-2020 season because of NBA’s stretch provision. Smith was reportedly offered more money by several teams, but declined huge contracts after being sold of his role by the Clippers president of basketball operations and head coach, Doc Rivers, the LA Times reported.

Smith played for the Houston Rockets last season alongside childhood friend Dwight Howard and the bearded all-star James Harden. The 6-foot-9 power forward was part of Rocket’s incredible run in the Western Conference playoffs including a historic come-from-behind win from a 3-1 deficit against the Clippers in the semifinal round. In a statement on Thursday, Smith thanked the Rockets for making Houston a “second home.”

“I want to express my appreciation to everyone for the support and kindness they have showed me and my family while I have been here. Thank you!" Smith said in his statement. With Smith’s addition, the Clippers have now become a strong candidate to contend for the title after signing key acquisitions in veteran Paul Pierce and big man De Andre Jordan.

Clippers also acquired ex-Hornets guard Lance Stephenson via trade. Smith will be a notable addition to improve Los Angeles’ frontcourt bench which has been a problem for the Clippers for several seasons, as noted by Yahoo Sports. Smith, who has now diminished his status as a role player due to poor shot selection, was waived by the Detroit Pistons in late December.

The former Atlanta Hawks star has a career average of 15.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Smith was drafted by the Hawks as the 17th pick in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft.

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