For all the talk and speculation, all the purported scenarios that would place the Atlanta Hawks forward in another uniform by Thursday’s 3 p.m. NBA trade deadline, Josh Smith went nowhere.
The 6-foot-9 forward who will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season was not shipped to Brooklyn, Milwaukee, Washington, Boston or any of the other nearly dozen teams reportedly interested in his services. And so, the high-flying, versatile veteran will play out the season and might even remain a Hawk with an expensive contract extension.
That seems the least likely scenario, however, as he wants a maximum deal worth about $94 million, and the Hawks have said they will not invest that kind of money into a talented yet flawed player who has been disciplined multiple times for “conduct detrimental to the team.”
Smith did the professional thing Thursday: He showed up and participated in practice, even as various trade possibilities swirled around him. He said he called his agent and was advised to practice. And so he did.
Now, however, the Hawks are in a precarious position. If Smith does not agree to a sign-and-trade in the offseason, he can sign with another team, leaving the Hawks with no one returning in compensation. That would be a huge blow to a team that could use all the viable parts it can attain.
“We’re in a unique situation with the current roster being competitive but also having good cap flexibility going forward,” Ferry told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution this week. “Like most teams, we’re evaluating ourselves and looking at the opportunities that come to us, especially this time of year. If there’s an opportunity that makes sense for us for the long-term interest of the Hawks, we’ll look at it closely.”
Apparently, Ferry did not receive what he deemed offers worth accepting. The Hawks can offer Smith a maximum five-year contract worth approximately $94 million. The most any other team can offer him is four years at $70 million.
Smith has one of eight expiring contracts on the Hawks’ roster. When all is over, they could have as much as $36 million in salary cap space.
Other unrestricted free agents include Devin Harris, Zaza Pachulia, Kyle Korver, Anthony Morrow, Johan Petro and Anthony Tolliver. Only Al Horford ($12 million), Lou Williams ($5.225 million) and John Jenkins ($1.258) are guaranteed next season. Jeff Teague and Ivan Johnson are eligible for qualifying offers. The Hawks have team options on DeShawn Stevenson and Mike Scott.
