Free agent and power forward Josh Smith has recently signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in a deal finalized on Thursday.

According to ESPN, Smith inked a one-year contract for "the veteran minimum worth $1.5 million" with a source saying that he chose winning and a definite role over monetary gain.

Last season, the player was part of the Houston Rockets where he played 55 games after getting waived by the Detroit Pistons last December.

"Over my pro career I have spent a lot of time in Houston with friends and family," Smit said in a statement quoated by ESPN. "Over the past year, while with the Rockets, the team, fans and people of Houston have made it a second home."

"I want to express my appreciation to everyone for the support and kindness they have showed me and my family while I have been here. Thank you!"

During his time with the Rockets, he was able to score double figures in 35 games. He reportedly contributed a lot of points to the team as they moved to the Western Conference semifinals.

"In a do-or-die Game 6 in L.A., Smith and Corey Brewer combined to score 29 fourth-quarter points as the Rockets responded from a 19-point second-half deficit to win," ESPN reported.

NBA.com said the Clippers signed the 11-year NBA veteran to make their roster stronger. He has previously averaged 12.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.4 blocks per game.

The 29-year-old Smith is also reportedly the youngest player in the NBA to have 1,000 career blocks.

Asimilar Detroit Free Press report explained that the Pistons will not be able to receive much cap relief because of Smith's new deal. The report said that under the CBA provision, the Pistons still owed Smith $13.5 million for the last season and that his remaining $26 million could be paid for the next five seasons.

"If Smith would have signed for a high enough total, it could have offset some of the Pistons' cap hit, but the veteran's minimum won't make much - if any - difference," the Detroit Free Press reported.

The DFP also reported that the cap savings of the Pistons would only be $8.1 million.

In 2004, Smith was the 17th pick of the Atlanta Hawks before moving to Detroit and Houston.

The power forward was also part of the 2009-2010 NBA All-Defensive Second Team and 2004-2005 All-Rookie Second Team, according to NBA.com. He is also credited for winning the 2005 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

With his transfer to the Clippers, fans are hoping that he will be able to impove his performance and do better for his new team.