Josh Smith to Sichuan Blue Whales: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

After the 2014-15 season, Josh Smith bolted from the Houston Rockets for the Los Angeles Clippers in the hopes of winning a championship. One ill-fated half-season and reacquisition later, Smith's headed overseas.

The Sichuan Blue Whales and the veteran forward reportedly agreed to a three-month, $1.5 million "plus" deal, according to David Pick, who shared confirmation from the team. Smith should instantly take a starring role in the Chinese Basketball Association outfit.

Smith, 30, split last season between Los Angeles and Houston. It was by all accounts the worst year of his professional career, as he set career lows in every major category save for three-point percentage (28.7). His averages of 6.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists all marked worsts, as did his dreary 36.4 field-goal percentage.

Locked in head coach Doc Rivers' doghouse for nearly his entire Clippers run, Smith hoped Houston would again provide a salvo. The return was a stark reminder why most sequels are worse than the originals.

Smith could not find the range on his shot—he shot worse in Houston—and was on the bench for 15 of the Rockets' final 20 regular-season games. He returned to the rotation a bit in the playoffs, but it was clear the coaching staff didn't trust him.

He acknowledged to Shams Charania of The Vertical he needs to make changes:

"

I’m not a guy that is oblivious to my surroundings, I know that changes need to be made. It’s something that I have done wrong to now be figuring out my next move and figuring out what I need to do to be better. Even yoga this summer has helped me become one with my spirit, body and mind. I’ve done things to take steps toward bettering myself, having patience.

I have a lot left to give to this game. I’m ready to go now. I feel like I’m in the best shape, and I’ve worked extremely hard this offseason. I’m ready.

"

Smith will still make $5.4 million in 2016-17 from the Detroit Pistons, who used the stretch provision to waive him two years ago. Having that extra money allowed Smith to be comfortable with the veteran's minimum last year in Los Angeles and undoubtedly played a part in this deal.

Smith should come into next season motivated after going unsigned in the NBA market. He'll still be a relatively young 31 next summer and remains a unique talent—albeit an enigmatic one. He's a former All-Defensive selection with whip-smart passing skills out of the high post and a fearlessness in big moments. 

That can get him into trouble when he jacks up bad shots, but it was revealed a couple of years ago in Houston how much of an effect he can have when he heats up.