Cavs Interested in Smith

Several contending teams are interested in 6-foot-10 forward Joe Smith, and now they have a chance to sign him.

ESPN.com news services reports that the veteran forward and the Oklahoma City Thunder reached agreement on a buyout of his contract on Sunday, and The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that the Cavaliers will try to sign him immediately after he clears waivers.The move comes about a week after Smith was shipped to the New Orleans Hornets in a trade for Tyson Chandler. The Thunder then rejected Chandler for medical reasons and Smith was returned. He had to be waived by the NBA's Sunday night deadline to be eligible for the playoffs with another team. The Plain Dealer reported that Smith should clear waivers on Wednesday and that the Cavs will then pounce on the free agent. He could suit up Wednesday night against the Bucks. Smith was coveted by a number of teams because of his experience and the fact that he has a $4.8 million expiring contract. Cleveland's need became greater when Ben Wallace went down Friday with a broken leg. He is expected to miss four to six weeks.The San Antonio Spurs were also reportedly interested in Smith, but the Cavs can offer a prorated share of its mid-level exception totaling about $3.5 million. The Spurs can only come up with about $1.5 million.

Smith approached the Thunder regarding the buy out, and the move gives the team roster flexibility along with more minutes for their younger forwards.

Gooden's Contract Bought Out by Kings

Joe Smith is not the only veteran on the move.

According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, the Sacramento Kings have reached a buyout agreement with Drew Gooden in time for the forward to be eligible for the playoffs with another team. Gooden was formally waived by the Kings shortly after 11 p.m. ET on Sunday night. He had to be released by 11:59 p.m. to be playoff-eligible for his next employer. Gooden was due $7.1 million in the final season of his contract.

The San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks are reportedly interested in the forward, and Gooden should clear waivers on Wednesday.

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