(SportsNetwork.com) - Former Detroit Pistons forward Josh Smith said Wednesday that he will sign with the Houston Rockets, according to a report by the Houston Chronicle. The Pistons waived Smith on Monday, less than two years into a four-year, $54 million contract. According to the Chronicle, the Rockets are expected to announce the signing either Thursday or Friday, once they are able to clear a roster spot. Smith averaged 13.1 points and 7.2 rebounds this season for the 5-23 Pistons, who hold the leagues third-worst record. The 29-year-old will once again play with Dwight Howard, who is one of Smiths closest friends and a former AAU teammate. The Pistons acquired Smith as a free agent after the 2012-13 season. During his time with Detroit, Smith averaged 15.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. For his career, Smith has averages for 15.4 points and 7.8 rebounds in 781 games with the Atlanta Hawks and Pistons. George Gervin Jersey . -- Jack Del Rio only wanted to talk about the Cowboys, not the Trojans. San Antonio Spurs Jerseys . - Rookie Kyle Larson will start from the pole position Saturday night in the NASCAR race at Richmond International Raceway after a thunderstorm arrived just in time to wash out qualifying. https://www.spurslockerroom.com/Demarre-...Edition-Jersey/. - The Oakland Athletics say they are stopping negotiations to extend their lease at the Coliseum. Sean Elliott Jersey .Y. -- The Buffalo Bills have fired receivers coach Ike Hilliard. Bryn Forbes Spurs Jersey . "I have had no discussions with Chad Johnson or his representation," Popp said Friday in an email. However, he appeared to confirm a report on Twitter from TSN this week that Johnson was on Montreals negotiation list.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Now that Tampa Bays David Price is slated to earn the biggest single-season salary in Rays history, the three-time All-Star hopes he remains part of the budget-minded franchises plans for 2014. The team announced Thursday that the 2012 AL Cy Young Award winner agreed to a $14 million, one-year deal. However, the agreement doesnt eliminate the possibility of a trade. "I still have the mindset moving forward that I want to be with the Rays," said Price, who at the end of last season seemed resigned to the fact that hed probably be dealt during the off-season. The 28-year-old has been the subject of trade speculation after going 10-8 with a 3.33 ERA last year while earning $10,112,500. He is eligible for free agency after the 2015 season, and the Rays likely wont be in a position to pay the type of money Price could earn on the open market. If hes traded, Price believes it wouldnt be before Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka decides where to sign. Teams have until Jan. 24 to reach an agreement with Tanaka, a 25-year-old right-hander who was 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA last year for the Japan Series champion Rakuten Golden Eagles. Price believes the Rays, whove made thhe playoffs four of the past six seasons, could have one of the best teams again in 2014.dddddddddddd "I want to be part of it. I think were going to have a really good season," Price stressed, adding a trade after the start of spring training likely would leave a "bad taste" in the mouths of teammates whod also like to see him remain with the Rays. Prices 2013 season was interrupted by his first stint on the disabled list, caused by a strained triceps. He went 9-4 with a 2.53 ERA, 102 strikeouts and just 13 walks in 18 starts after coming off the DL on July 2, spurring the Rays drive for a playoff berth. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 amateur draft is 71-39 over parts of six seasons and is Tampa Bays career leader in ERA (3.19) and winning percentage (.645). Price became the franchises first 20-game winner in 2012, when he edged Detroits Justin Verlander in AL Cy Young balloting. He was a 19-game winner in 2010, his first full season in the majors. The left-handers salary for 2014 will account for a significant portion of a projected payroll of about $72 million. Carlos Pena earned $10.25 million in 2010, the previous season high for the Rays. ' ' '