NBA Outlook: Five Stars Most Likely To Force A Trade Next

Apr 2, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Pistons forward

(6) shoots over Indiana Pacers forward

(24) during the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

3. Josh Smith

Coming off the worst season of his career, Smith might be ready for another change of scenery. It’s been reported that Stan Van Gundy wants to keep Greg Monroe. Smith and Monroe didn’t get along last season, and Monroe wants Smith traded, according to Dan Feldman or NBC Sports.

Depending on what happens with Monroe in restricted free agency, the Pistons have some decisions to make. Right now, Smith’s trade value is at an all-time low. He’s a huge contract, and the Pistons would be getting a quarter on the dollar back for their investment.

If the Pistons re-sign Monroe, something has got to give along the frontline. They can’t have another season of trying to play Smith, Monroe, and Andre Drummond together at the same time. It was flat-out terrible last season when the Pistons played that lineup.

Smith could be the odd man out and request a trade, if SVG tries to use the Smith-Monroe-Drummond lineup. Smith was always on the trading block in Atlanta for the right price. I anticipate that will be the case in Detroit as well.