28 replies to this topic

[Tobias Fünke]

Switching lanes
By Sekou K Smith | Saturday, July 26, 2008, 10:11 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

THE BASEMENT - This time a month ago I was busy calculating just how long it might take for the Hawks to wrap up negotiations with both Josh Smith and Josh Childress before putting the finishing touches on the roster in time for training camp.

Little did I know that I’d be sitting here this morning trying to wrap my dome around the fact that there’s a good chance neither Smith nor Childress would be in a Hawks uniform this season.

Childress, of course, is already gone.

Smith, on the other hand, is still in the crosshairs. But it’s not looking good for the Hawks on that front.

There are at least two, blockbuster sign-and-trade proposals the Hawks are chewing on regarding Smith (one from a Western Conference power and the other from an Eastern Conference big dog) that could dramatically change the landscape in Hawksville.

The “proverbial” ball appears to be clearly in the Hawks’ court regarding both opportunities, and we should presume many more. Because if they are resigned to the fact that they don’t intend to pay Smith a salary commensurate with what he feels he’s worth, then there only recourse is to sign-and-trade him.

The leverage we all assumed the Hawks had with their own restricted free agents went up in smoke last week when Childress bounced.

Anyone that doesn’t think Smith will wait this thing out as long as the Hawks is living in a dream world. If you don’t think he’ll sign a qualifying offer, play out his season and walk next summer as an unrestricted free agent you’re crazy.

If the Hawks want to get anything in return (and keep in mind they get absolutely nothing if he plays out the year and walks, NOTHING), they have to act now.

The tricky thing about sign-and-trades is that all sides not only have to agree on the deal but all three sides want to walk away from the deal the winner (whether it’s acknowledged by others or not).

With one loss already on the books this summer, the Hawks simply cannot afford another.

http://www.ajc.com/b....ing_lanes.html

Oh my god! if we get Smith for Odom, well all need to praise Mitch

[Kam]

A Western Conference Power?

Hmmm....

[L4L]

Denver. JR Smith and Linas Kleiza for Josh Smith.

Someone posted this earlier. Did someone delete it?

No, it is in the Lakers section under the Ronny Turiaf Replacement thread.

But yeah, you got this one right.

[Sky]

The Lakers are rumored to be interested in Josh as well. Would take Odom out and Smith and Speedy back to get around BYC. Denver can make a run but Kroenke would have to be willing to pay luxury taxes. Lakers, Detroit, Cleveland, Denver if they are willing to ante up.

[L4L]

I honestly don't see Josh as all that good of a fit.

Yes, he CAN play SF, but, just like Odom, is a better PF. Defensively, he's a stud, but he's even worse than Odom when it comes to shooting touch(32% on jumpers this year). Obviously, he'd be an awesome piece to team with Bynum for the long-term, but trading Smith for Odom puts us right back in the same situation with 2 PFs and 1 C in the front court. Of course, he'd only be a better and more valuable PF.

[Beef]

[Aceis²FresH]

if it's not Purple n Gold L.A.
i hope he stays EAST.

[Real Deal]

I think Denver has this in the bag, really. I had a feeling they were after someone after that odd trade with the Clippers.

[L4L]

I think Denver has this in the bag, really. I had a feeling they were after someone after that odd trade with the Clippers.

How are they going to match salaries is the biggest question that needs to be answered. Will the Hawks take Nene's contract? If not, JR Smith (who isn't signed at the moment and can't be included in a packaged S&T) and Kleiza doesn't even come close. Atlanta certainly won't take Kenyon Martin.

Is Nene, Kleiza, and JR Smith in a second, simultaneous trade really enough for J Smoove?

Even after the Camby trade they are paying 71 million dollars right now. Increasing salary by a great amount doesn't appear to be a realistic option based on that FO's past moves.

[Sako32]

can you imagine having Josh Smith playing for us. he's been the one player i've wanted for a long time.

[Real Deal]

If Atlanta is stupid enough to trade Josh Smith, they are stupid enough to take K-Mart.

Maybe they deal Iverson, who is rumored to be on the block.

[L4L]

I don't see K-Mart -- not even from Atlanta.

Iverson?

That would be interesting. They do already have Bibby though.

I think this is just another rumor. I don't expect to see Smith in Denver.

Or maybe this is the big Melo trade everyone has been waiting for?

We'll see.

[Nirvana]

I don't see K-Mart -- not even from Atlanta.

Iverson?

That would be interesting. They do already have Bibby though.

I think this is just another rumor. I don't expect to see Smith in Denver.

Or maybe this is the big Melo trade everyone has been waiting for?

We'll see.

I could see a Melo trade happening, but Melo is a better player than Smith in my opinion. I imagine it would probably end up being a Josh Smith + Player for Melo trade. It would be interesting to see where they are going with this though.

[L4L]

I could see a Melo trade happening, but Melo is a better player than Smith in my opinion. I imagine it would probably end up being a Josh Smith + Player for Melo trade. It would be interesting to see where they are going with this though.

Can't combine players into a package in an S&T from what I understand.

There would have to be a second simultaneous trade done to accomplish that goal.

Melo is definitely a better player than Smith and they'd need some compensation if that was the route that was to be taken. However, Smith IS a big and IS a better fit in Denver (next to AI) IMHO.

Again though, Melo for Smith just spells highly unlikely to me.

[Real Deal]

Atlanta would run a three-guard offense. Johnson, Iverson and Bibby...I wouldn't be surprised.

I didn't think about Melo, though.

[Nirvana]

Can't combine players into a package in an S&T from what I understand.

There would have to be a second simultaneous trade done to accomplish that goal.

Melo is definitely a better player than Smith and they'd need some compensation if that was the route that was to be taken. However, Smith IS a big and IS a better fit in Denver (next to AI) IMHO.

Again though, Melo for Smith just spells highly unlikely to me.

Good point.

Although I do see it as unlikely, I could see it happening if the Nuggets got an extra player. Of course, if that is not allowed, then a Melo to Atlanta trade is pretty much not going to happen.

[Real Deal]

L4L, Melo has sucked as a leader for that Nuggets squad. He has five consecutive first-round exits, winning just one game or less in each one I believe. He laughs it off each time, plays no defense, and has had problems off the court.

I think that may be enough for Denver to dish him off to the East, sort of like those rumors we heard about Melo going to New Jersey for Richard Jefferson. Not sure how true that was as a rumor, but you never know. McGrady was a solid player, too, but while he was playing amazing IN Orlando, he wasn't doing anything FOR Orlando.

[Nirvana]

L4L, Melo has sucked as a leader for that Nuggets squad. He has five consecutive first-round exits, winning just one game or less in each one I believe. He laughs it off each time, plays no defense, and has had problems off the court.

I think that may be enough for Denver to dish him off to the East, sort of like those rumors we heard about Melo going to New Jersey for Richard Jefferson. Not sure how true that was as a rumor, but you never know. McGrady was a solid player, too, but while he was playing amazing IN Orlando, he wasn't doing anything FOR Orlando.

It's not just about the player you are shipping out and the guy you are bringing in. It's also about value. If the Nuggets feel they can get more value for Melo, then they will hold off of this trade and see if someone else is available. I honestly believe they could get a little extra than just Josh Smith. Of course, picking up Josh Smith would bring some solidity to the team.