NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith commented on several reports that surfaced on Tuesday about him being removed from "NBA Countdown."On Monday, ESPN announced a "new-look" "NBA Countdown" will debut on Wednesday. The new crew noticeably did not include Smith.In Tuesday's "Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith," the veteran analyst described the reports about ESPN removing him from the show as a "non-story." He explained that the development is part of his contract negotiation with the sports network."I'm trying to figure out what the news is here," Smith said. "I had a contract negotiation last year... It was decided at that particular moment in time that I wouldn't be doing 'NBA Countdown' anymore because I didn't want to. ... I didn't want to be stuck in the studio until after midnight. No shade against ESPN. No shade against my colleagues."Smith added that he could still make occasional appearances on the ESPN pregame show. He also cited being a "busy man" with his several other commitments, which include a SiriusXM Radio show daily on Mad Dog Radio, the "Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith" and his political show on SiriusXM."In case you haven't noticed, I got other things on my plate," Smith added. "Just to be clear, this story is a non-story. This is not some epiphany that everybody is getting attached to that, 'Oh my God, this just happened, and he's been yanked off the show.' No, it didn't happen like that. I'm available when needed.""NBA Countdown" is ESPN's pregame and halftime show for select games throughout the season. According to the press release, Malika Andrews will continue to host the show alongside Kendrick Perkins, Michael Malone and newcomer Brian Windhorst. In addition, NBA insider Shams Charania will make regular appearances.Stephen A. Smith is open to teaming up with popular "Inside the NBA" hostsStarting this season, "NBA Countdown" is no longer the top ESPN studio show. The attribute belongs to the award-winning "Inside the NBA" show, which ESPN is now presenting after TNT lost its coverage of the league.In Tuesday's episode of "The Stephen A. Smith Show," the veteran analyst also discussed the reports of him being removed from "NBA Countdown." Smith said he could make an appearance on "Inside the NBA" with Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, and Ernie Johnson, if necessary:"'Inside the NBA' crew, which is clearly the A-Team with Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaq, Ernie Johnson, they don't need me. But if they ever wanted me in Atlanta, I'd be there."Just over a month into the season, "Inside the NBA" has been broadcast on several of ESPN's doubleheaders already. Additionally, the show will reportedly be a significant part of the sports network's coverage throughout the playoffs and NBA Finals.