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Josh Smith signs to play in China with Sichuan Blue Whales

HOUSTON -- Former Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith has signed a contract to play with the Sichuan Blue Whales of the Chinese Basketball Association, a source told ESPN on Tuesday.

Smith played with the L.A. Clippers and Rockets last season. He averaged career lows in points (6.0) and rebounds (3.5) in 55 games.

Basketball reporter David Pick, who first reported the news, said that Smith's three-month contract with the Blue Whales is worth $1.5 million.

Smith wasn't invited to any NBA training camps this fall and has elected to play overseas with the goal of returning to the NBA once his season ends in China.

Smith, a 14-year veteran, has averaged 14.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists with four NBA teams over 891 games.