Former No. 1 overall draft pick Joe Smith says the league might as well put his name on any new salary-cap investigation that resembles the one that derailed his own contract more than two decades ago.
“If my name keeps coming up whenever something like this happens, they should just call it the Joe Smith Effect or the Joe Smith Clause,” Smith told Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of ScoopB.com.
Smith’s remarks arrive while the NBA scrutinizes several high-profile transactions, including the Milwaukee Bucks’ agreement with Gary Trent Jr. and an ongoing review of the Los Angeles Clippers’ dealings involving Kawhi Leonard. The league has put Leonard’s reported move to the Toronto Raptors on hold until that inquiry is finished.
Recalling the 2000 Timberwolves case
In 2000, the NBA voided Smith’s contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves after uncovering an undisclosed arrangement between the club and Smith’s representatives. The Timberwolves were fined $3.5 million and lost multiple first-round draft choices. Smith maintains he was largely unaware of the behind-the-scenes agreement.
“My situation was completely different,” he said. “I didn’t know what was happening and got thrown into the fire. I took most of the blame, but it was really my agent’s doing.”
View on the current investigations
Asked about the delay surrounding Leonard’s potential trade, Smith endorsed the league’s cautious approach. “Holding the trade until the investigation is over is the right move,” he said. “I don’t think the Raptors should have to pay for someone else’s mistake.”
The NBA has not given a timetable for completing its latest inquiries.
Source: Hoops Wire
