FILE - In this Dec. 17, 2014 file photo, Detroit Pistons forward Josh Smith reacts to a call during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks in Auburn Hills, Mich.The Associated Press
The Detroit Pistons have waived forward Josh Smith, less than two years after signing him to a lucrative free-agent contract.
The Pistons are 5-23 and coach and team president Stan Van Gundy says the club wants to develop younger players. He says he felt it best to give the 29-year-old Smith his freedom to go elsewhere.
Smith signed a $54-million, four-year deal with the Pistons before last season, but he shot only 42 per cent from the field in 2013-14. This season, Smith is at 39 per cent.