Josh Smith Not Opposed to Trade from Atlanta Hawks
According to Yahoo! Sports, J-Smoove wouldn’t mind playing in a number of NBA cities other than Atlanta starting next season:
“[Josh] Smith hasn’t requested a trade, but has privately told league
friends that the Boston Celtics, New Jersey Nets, Houston Rockets and
Orlando Magic are his preferred destinations should the Hawks decide to
move him. ‘The relationship has run its course,’ said a league source
with knowledge of the dynamic. There’s been growing acrimony between
Smith and the organization, sources said, largely because of the feeling
that Smith has been too convenient of a scapegoat. Smith had one of his
most complete seasons for the Hawks, averaging 16.5 points, 8.5
rebounds and 3.3 assists. Payroll is an issue for the Hawks, too, and
Smith’s contract – which has two years and $25.6 million remaining – is
an attractive target for management to unload, if, for no other reason,
than the five years, $110 million left on Joe Johnson’s(notes) deal is
far more difficult to move. The Hawks have looked to identify veteran
players near the end of their contracts, sources said, but have had no
serious discussions on trading Smith. ‘They’re looking for a change,’
one Eastern Conference executive said. ‘They would die to be rid of Joe
Johnson’s contract or move Smith, but they won’t give [Smith] away. They
want something in return.’”
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