Pistons rumors: Josh Smith to the Kings is "dead," according to report

It sure was fun to think about this afternoon, but trade talks between the Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings centered around Josh Smith have apparently fallen through.

Rumored Sacramento-Detroit trade is "dead" according to a team source. Talks were ongoing for a few days, but Detroit nixed it this morning.

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 24, 2014

Source on rumored J Smoove to Sac deal: "Don't get your hopes up."

— Matt Dery (@dery1051) June 24, 2014

ESPN's Marc Stein was the first to report the initial talks, suggesting the Kings could send back a package that included Jason Thompson, Derrick Williams and Jason Terry. It was hardly a blockbuster, but that wasn't the point -- simply unloading Smith's monstrous contract and alleviating the logjam in the front court was a potential win in itself, regardless who the Pistons got back.

Do Stan Van Gundy and Jeff Bower think they can get a better offer? Are they playing hard ball in an attempt to get the Kings to include their No. 8 first-round pick? It's possible.

Smith is coming off his worst season as a pro, but he also played out of position at small forward. Certainly there's some team out there with a need at power forward willing to give him a chance, right?

Right?

I don't know, but I hope so. If you're looking for a silver lining, let it be this: even if the Pistons weren't willing to pull the trigger on this deal, the fact that they're actively engaging in talks means they are in fact trying to move him. And as we sit here in June several months before the start of the season, that's all you can pretty much ask for.

Now your thoughts.