I am at least little relieved, as trading Josh for Marcin Gortat seems like, at best, a lateral move.
Are we okay as a fanbase with risking Josh walking away to PHX or Dallas for nothing?
Anybody else wish we had at least made a move at James Harden or Rudy Gay?
Which approach do you prefer: Atlanta's wait and see approach or Utah's proactively trade your star player before the drama sets in? (Think Utah/Deron Williams two seasons ago.)
Unless there's a bona fide star player to be had in exchange, indications persist that the Hawks don't want to do anything that cuts into the considerable cap-space haul they're headed for in July. Josh Smith's recent declarations that he sees himself as a max player don't make it any easier to find a trade partner ready to take on the enigmatic swing man in fear of not being able to meet Smith's demands in free agency come July.
I've likewise heard from a couple of teams that have pursued Smith in recent weeks that they've cooled on the idea because the 27-year-old is likewise reluctant to commit to an extension as part of the trade.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/21629829/report-josh-smith-unlikely-to-be-traded-due-to-financial-concerns