NBA Free Agency: Rockets, Marcus Smart, Pistons, John Collins, 76ers

Rockets

The Rockets have landed one of the NBA’s top defensive guards.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Houston has agreed to a two-year, $13 million contract with former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. The deal reportedly includes a player option for the second season.

Smart revived his career with the Lakers last season after battling injuries in previous years, averaging 9.3 points, 3.0 assists and 1.4 steals while reclaiming his reputation as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders.

The move reunites Smart with Rockets coach Ime Udoka, who previously coached him in Boston.

Houston is expected to continue exploring ways to strengthen its roster after also agreeing to terms with veteran wing Bogdan Bogdanovic.

Pistons

The Pistons have found the stretch forward they were seeking.

According to Charania, Detroit has agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract with veteran John Collins.

Collins averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting better than 40 percent from three-point range during his lone season with the Clippers.

The Pistons have spent much of the offseason looking to add more shooting around All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham, making Collins one of their top priorities in free agency.

Detroit has also agreed to re-sign Kevin Huerter and is expected to acquire Isaiah Joe as part of its continued effort to improve floor spacing.

76ers

The 76ers continue adding frontcourt depth.

According to Charania, Philadelphia has agreed to a one-year, $3.4 million contract with free-agent center Ariel Hukporti.

The 24-year-old spent the first two seasons of his career with the Knicks, appearing in 54 games last season while averaging 2.2 points and 2.9 rebounds.

Hukporti joins a busy offseason for Philadelphia, which has already agreed to sign former Cavaliers forward Dean Wade. He’ll compete for backup center minutes behind Joel Embiid next season.

MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position