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As the season approaches the Portland Trail Blazers look towards training camp, and they have signed free agent Dennis Smith Jr. to a deal to participate, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Smith last played for the Detroit Pistons after being traded from the New York Knicks.
Free agent guard Dennis Smith Jr., has signed a deal to attend training camp with the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell ESPN. Smith played 23 games between Detroit and New York last season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 2, 2021
Smith Jr. was picked by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2017 NBA Draft at no. nine, just ahead of former Portland Trail Blazers’ big man Zach Collins. During his freshman campaign, Smith Jr. was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. The Mavericks traded Smith Jr. to the Knicks in the transaction that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas along with Wesley Matthews and DeAndre Jordan. During his time with the Knicks, he also played for their G-League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks. In February of 2021, the Knicks traded him to the Pistons in exchange for Derrick Rose.
Over 20 games with the Pistons, Smith Jr. averaged 7.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1 steal.