NBA Trade Rumors: Atlanta Hawks Taking Offers for Josh Smith

While Atlanta Hawk’s power forward, Josh Smith, is unrestricted free agent status this summer, Smith has refused an extension saying he wants a max contract but the club has refused to give him what he wants. Now, with Smith potentially leaving this summer, the team is looking to trade him.

According to David Aldridge of NBA.com, the Hawks would prefer not to lose Smith, but they are considering other options.

"The Atlanta Hawks are entertaining trade offers around the league for forward Josh Smith, but have yet to decide whether they will deal the ninth-year forward, according to league sources. The Hawks met with Smith’s representatives this week and reiterated that they would be willing to give Smith a three-year deal for around $47 million, according to sources. This is the maximum of what they can currently offer under the new rules of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.Smith, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution late last month that he believes he’s a max player, which would mean he’d be in line for a five-year deal worth around $93.5 million from Atlanta.But the Hawks, which expect to be major players next summer in free agency or through trades, do not want to tie up that kind of money going forward."

Smith is a great player. Averaging 16.9 points per game, 2.2 blocks, 4 assists and 8.5 rebounds can definitely be a dominant player on a team. However, can he be the most dominant and a franchise player if given the opportunity? That is the big question teams should be asking if they are actually willing to obtain Smith. As the new C.B.A. takes toll next season, most teams won’t be able to give up key players and cash for a player who will only be their second or third best on their team.