NBA Free Agency: Rockets Pursuing Josh Smith To Team With Dwight Howard

Mar 3, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) and shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) rebound against Atlanta Hawks small forward Josh Smith (5) and center Johan Petro (10) during the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports, the Houston Rockets are in pursuit of former Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith.

When the Rockets met with center Dwight Howard Monday, he asked the Rockets about the possibility of bringing in a third star to join he and James Harden in Houston in anticipation of going head-to-head with the likes of the Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.

The Rockets are responding by trying to acquire Smith through a sign-and-trade, which is the only way the team could fit both Howard and Smith. Howard and Smith grew up together and were AAU teammates.

If the Rockets could somehow trade point guard Jeremy Lin and/or center Omer Asik in a deal for Smith (and I’d be somewhat surprised if the Atlanta Hawks wanted either player), a lineup of Howard, Smith, Chandler Parsons, James Harden and Patrick Beverly certainly looks like a contender.

Smith has already met with the Detroit Pistons, who plan to make him a larger offer.

Howard has finished his visits after speaking the Rockets, Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks. Rumor is a decision is expected Friday.

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