Report: Kings engaged in talks with Pistons to acquire Josh Smith, eyeing Rondo, too

Stan Van Gundy may be taking his first major step towards overhauling the Detroit Pistons as their new president and head coach.

While it sounds early in the discussion stage, ESPN's Marc Stein is reporting that the Pistons are exploring a deal that would jettison Josh Smith and the three years and $40.5 million remaining on his contract. The happy buyer? The Sacramento Kings.

The incentive for the Pistons here is clear: they want out of Smith's deal, knowing it's a cumbersome one and that he's a poor fit alongside enticing young big men Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond. Jason Thompson has term left on his deal but only $15.12 million guaranteed over three seasons, while Derrick Williams has just one year and $6.33 million left on his rookie contract.

For the Kings, they'd look to...well, a lineup of Isaiah Thomas, Rudy Gay, Smith and DeMarcus Cousins would certainly be entertaining. But this may be step one in attracting an even bigger fish:

It's unclear what the Kings could offer the Celtics for Rondo, but it's possible a sign-and-traded Thomas, along with the No. 8 pick in the draft, could be a starting point. The Kings are said to be aggressively shopping that pick, in any case.

Smith is still a valuable player, just one with limited versatility in an offense. He belongs at the four, because when playing on the perimeter he shoots way too many threes and hits at a terrible clip. He's an incredibly versatile defender, however, and has been among the league's best in that regard when engaged.

The offseason is so much fun. The Kings are so much fun.