Joe Smith: NBA should call future cap scandals ‘Joe Smith Effect’

July 17, 2026

Former No. 1 overall pick Joe Smith believes it’s time for the NBA to give a familiar type of investigation a familiar name.

“If they’re going to keep bringing my name up every time a situation comes up,” Smith told Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of ScoopB.com, “then they might as well just call it the ‘Joe Smith Effect’ or the ‘Joe Smith Clause.'”

Smith’s comments come as the NBA continues investigating several high-profile contract matters, including the Bucks’ deal with Gary Trent Jr. and the ongoing review involving Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers. Leonard’s reported trade to the Raptors remains on hold while the league completes its investigation.

Smith, whose contract with the Timberwolves was voided in 2000 after the league uncovered an undisclosed agreement between Minnesota and his representatives, said his situation has often been misunderstood.

“My situation was totally different,” Smith said. “I had nothing to do with it. I didn’t understand what was going on at the time at all. I just got thrown into the fire.”

The NBA ultimately fined the Timberwolves $3.5 million and stripped the franchise of multiple first-round draft picks. Smith said he wound up carrying much of the public blame.

“I think I took more of the brunt of that hit than anybody,” Smith said. “It was much more my agent’s doing than me having anything to do with it.”

Asked about the reported delay involving Leonard’s trade, Smith said he believes the NBA is handling the situation appropriately.

“I don’t think the Raptors should have to pay for somebody else’s fault,” Smith said. “Holding the trade until the investigation is over is the right move.”