Hawks Trade Rumors

"Its no secret the Detroit Pistons are among the teams watching the Josh Smith drama in Atlanta unfold with a lot of interest. But according to a league official, a published report in Atlanta that made reference to an Eastern Conference team having a sign-and-trade offer on the table for Smith, is not Detroit. In fact, it has been more than three weeks since the two teams talked. Still, multiple league sources confirmed Sunday night that despite no sign-and-trade offer on the table between the two teams, Detroit remains very interested in the 22-year-old restricted free agent. With free agency nearly a month old, Smith remains the most talented player still available. Smiths coming ..."

"A team source confirmed the Pistons did approach the Atlanta Hawks weeks ago about a possible sign-and-trade deal involving restricted free agent small forward Josh Smith, but said Sunday that the two teams haven't talked in weeks. The source indicated the Hawks were asking for too much, and both sides walked away from any possible deal. A blog on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Web site said that a "Western Conference power and Eastern Conference big dog" have offered deals. There has been speculation for several weeks that the Pistons would be interested in acquiring someone of Smith's caliber. Smith, 22, averaged 17.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocked shots in his fourth season in ..."

"Looking to fill the void left when Josh Childress bolted for Greece, the Atlanta Hawks are close to completing a deal with free agent Maurice Evans. A person within the league, speaking on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been completed, told The Associated Press on Sunday a deal could be signed by midweek. Evans started 47 times for the Magic last season and averaged a career-high 9.3 points. He would fill the sixth-man role left by Childress, a restricted free agent who stunned the Hawks last week by signing with Greek powerhouse Olympiakos. The Hawks would be Evans' sixth team in seven NBA seasons. Childress received a three-year deal that will guarantee him at least ..."

"So much has been made here about Josh Smith and how his summer is playing out (more about that in a minute), but what of Josh Childress? He is absolutely considering an offer to play overseas, Olympiakos in Greece, this season (as first reported last night by Yahoo! Sports) with the Hawks having no right to match an offer from an overseas team. This is getting nuts. How in the world has it come to this for the Hawks and their own free agents?"

"The Hawks all-star guard inquired about the status of Hawks restricted free agents Josh Smith and Josh Childress while at a charity event in Mississippi over the weekend. That's our summer right there," Johnson said. "That's all there is to it." Neither Smith nor Childress have signed offer sheets with other teams as the NBA's free agency period continues. Johnson, who said he talked with Smith prior to the start of the free-agency period, just wants a team ready to build on last season's playoff appearance."

"Veteran NBA point guard Tyronn Lue said Sunday he is scheduled to take a physical with the Heat this morning and is hopeful of receiving a contract offer from the team shortly thereafter. In South Florida for Zo's Summer Groove, Lue said before the charity game that he has narrowed his free-agent choices to the Heat, Celtics and Suns. Lue said the decision would be difficult because of his friendship with Boston's Kevin Garnett and Phoenix's Shaquille O'Neal, his former Lakers championship teammate. However, Lue also gushed about the possibility of playing alongside Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion."

"As distasteful as it may seem for many local basketball fans, Seattle officials can learn a lot from Clay Bennett as they attempt to lure an NBA team. "If you're going to play this game and win, you must have commitments from three places: the private sector, the public sector and the NBA," said Marc Ganis, president of Sportscorp Ltd., a Chicago-based sports-industry consulting firm. "Oklahoma City had all three." Now that the dust has settled from the surprising July 2 settlement between the city of Seattle and Bennett, which allowed him to pay $45 million and immediately move the team, local officials face the cold realization that securing another franchise is no slam dunk. In ..."

"Elton Brand's reported decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers rather than remain a Los Angeles Clipper could be bad news for the Charlotte Bobcats regarding Emeka Okafor. The Clippers now have a bundle under the salary cap and an obvious need for a power forward to complement center Chris Kaman in Brand's absence. NBA insiders expect the Clippers to consider signing one of two restricted free agents - Okafor or Atlanta Hawk Josh Smith - with the abundant cap room they now possess."

"The Josh Smith tour of Philadelphia ended yesterday, with the power forward of the Atlanta Hawks being impressed by the presentation of the 76ers and reactions of the people of the city toward him. But did the restricted free agent leave with an offer sheet from the Sixers? "Um, not yet," Smith said in an interview with Comcast SportsNet. "We've got to wait and see what goes on with the revenue and stuff.""

"With more than $11 million in salary-cap space available, the 76ers dove into free agency shortly after the bell rang at 12:01 a.m. yesterday and targeted Josh Smith, the young and talented forward of the Atlanta Hawks, as their primary prospect, but not their only one. The 6-foot-9 Smith, a restricted free agent, was contacted by the Sixers almost immediately. A team spokesman said Smith and his representatives planned to meet today with president and general manager Ed Stefanski. The spokesman also said the Sixers contacted Smith's teammate, 6-8 forward Josh Childress, yesterday and expect to bring him to Philadelphia, but did not say when."

"Smith's remarkable fourth season included averages of 17.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.8 blocks and 1.5 steals. Coming out of Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va. in 2004, he originally committed to Indiana University before becoming the No. 17 pick in the 2004 draft. And he won't turn 23 until December. All that is why the 76ers, who have about $11.5 million in salary-cap space available, have invited Smith and his representatives to visit today. He and agents Brian Dyke and Wallace Prowther visited yesterday with the Hawks and newly minted general manager Rick Sund, who has said repeatedly that ownership plans to match any offers made to Smith and his restricted ..."

"As the 76ers delve into NBA free agency today, their primary objective is a post player. Next premise: The most attractive post player available is Elton Brand, who, according to the Los Angeles Times' Web site, opted out of his $16.44 million contract last night. Reality: The Sixers certainly will inquire about what it would take to bring Brand to Philadelphia, but one source familiar with the situation suggested that Brand's asking price could be beyond the Sixers' means."

"Smith is expected to be in Philadelphia for a visit later in the week. And the 76ers, with more than $11 million in projected salary cap space, can offer Smith a lucrative, frontloaded deal greater than the $45 million offer the Hawks made ? and Smith turned down ? last summer, when Smith was eligible for a contract extension. Philadelphia president Ed Stefanski hasn't mentioned Smith by name, per league rules, but in his description of what the 76ers are looking to do this summer, the image of the player he's described could easily be Smith."

"Keep an eye on the negotiations between the Hawks and forward Josh Smith. Smith is a restricted free agent reportedly seeking a deal that starts in excess of $11 million. Hawks new general manager Rick Sund might not be willing to start a deal at that price. If an impasse occurs, you can bet the Pistons will come asking about a possible sign-and-trade deal."

"Hawks coach Mike Woodson said that he intends to sign a contract the team offered Thursday. The deal is for two years, according to two people familiar with the situation. Woodson would not comment on the specifics of the offer but told the Journal-Constitution that he intends to sign the contract. Woodson's current deal expires June 30, as do the contracts of his entire staff. But after two weeks of evaluations, new Hawks general manager Rick Sund has decided to stick with Woodson."

"The calendar and the weather may suggest otherwise, but the NBA climate has the feel of February. Much like the frenzy and wild speculation that serve as a prelude to the league's trade deadline, caution must be observed and logic exercised. With so many teams looking to improve and so many names being bandied about, it wouldn't surprise any one if one or two roster-altering moves are completed, perhaps more. Until the NBA final runs its course, no deal will be announced in an environment where there's no shortage of possibilities, some that appear to have merit."

"Hawks general manager Rick Sund has been on the job for just a few days and already he's having to deal with the rumor and innuendo that come with the job. Sund is still in the examination stage, trying to get a lay of the land before making crucial decisions about the franchise's immediate future — namely how to proceed with a head coach, Mike Woodson, whose contract expires June 30. But Woodson could actually be a candidate for other jobs, namely the head job in Detroit. His name has surfaced in the Pistons' search to replace Flip Saunders, who was fired Tuesday after back-to-back Eastern Conference finals flameouts with a veteran cast."

"After three weeks of searching, the Hawks are close to naming a general manager. Who will replace Billy Knight, who resigned on May 6, is unknown. However, one candidate who will not be the replacement is Chris Grant. Hawks part-owner Michael Gearon Jr. said Tuesday that the process "is coming to a close." He also confirmed that Grant, a former Knight assistant and current Cleveland assistant general manager, would not be hired."

"Though mentioned as a potential candidate by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jazz player personnel vice president Walt Perrin was not one of four candidates recently identified by ESPN.com to be initial short-list finalists for the vacant Atlanta Hawks general manager position. ... The Arizona Republic confirmed on its Web site Monday that Jazz assistant coach Tyrone Corbin will interview this week, as expected, for the head coaching job in Phoenix. Corbin is expected to also interview, if he hasn't already, for the same post in Chicago. ... Jazz lead assistant Phil Johnson and part-time assistant Jeff Hornacek also have been identified as coaching candidates in Phoenix."

"Spurs assistant general manager Dennis Lindsey on Monday withdrew his name from consideration for the open general manager job in Atlanta. Lindsey’s name had been on a short list of candidates to replace Hawks general manager Billy Knight, who resigned May 7 — days after the Hawks were eliminated by the Celtics in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series. “I decided to withdraw my name from the interview process,” Lindsey said before the Spurs played the Hornets in Game 7. “It came down to family considerations, and the fact I’m just very happy with the Spurs and in San Antonio.”"

"There were reports that Spurs assistant general manager Dennis Lindsey would interview soon for Atlanta’s vacant general manager spot. Lindsey said before Thursday night’s game at the AT&T Center that he heard about the reports, but had not heard from anyone in Atlanta and did not believe anyone in the Spurs organization had been asked for permission to speak with him."

"Six potential replacements for outgoing Hawks general manager Billy Knight, who resigned Tuesday after six years on the job (in alphabetical order): Chris Grant, Billy King, Milt Newton, Scott Perry, Tommy Sheppard, Steve Smith."

"Sunday may have marked coach Mike Woodson's final outing under contract with the Hawks. His contract ends June 30. There has been no official word on whether or not he'll receive a new contract. And Woodson refused to discuss his job status during the postgame media session. Hawks captain and All-Star Joe Johnson is firmly entrenched in the Woodson camp, though. "I hope he comes back," Johnson said Sunday."

"Now that the Hawks nine-year playoff drought is over, the franchise must face some difficult offseason questions. Several key contracts run out at the end of June. Mike Woodson's contract expires at the end and forwards Josh Smith and Josh Childress and guard Salim Stoudamire become restricted free agents. Joe Johnson, the Hawks lone all-star, wants to see Woodson and his staff remain in place."

"Avery Johnson was fired by the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, and Mike D’Antoni clung loosely to his job in Phoenix — their fates underscoring that success is no guarantee of security for N.B.A. head coaches. The Mavericks fired Johnson a day after his team was eliminated from the playoffs by the New Orleans Hornets. The Suns also lost their first-round series, to the San Antonio Spurs, amid widespread reports that D’Antoni would be replaced."

"Stefanski obviously is not tipping his hand as to whom he will pursue. But it has been mentioned that forward Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks, a restricted free agent, could be someone the Sixers would like."

"The Nets have been reluctant to pursue restricted free agents because their teams can match any offer, but they could get lucky. Atlanta's Josh Smith and Luol Deng would fit the Nets' needs."

"Q. Your name has been tossed around the coach-on-the-hot-seat rumor mill time and again during your tenure here and certainly this season. Has that been the toughest part of the job for you this season?"

"The Knicks, Milwaukee, Charlotte and perhaps Atlanta could be in the market for a new coach. According to a source, Skiles is reluctant to negotiate with any club that still has a coach in place. His adviser, Keith Glass, declined to comment but said that Skiles was adamant about not campaigning for a job through the media."

"Why would even the disseminators of fabrication sense Rick Carlisle is a consequential candidate to replace Isiah Thomas as Knicks' coach? Because he replaced him as Pacers' coach? ... Contrary to an emphatic denial by Grizzlies' executive Chris Wallace, I'm told Mitch Lawrence actually (he got something, right for a change) is correct regarding the team's acute interest in hiring Larry Brown to succeed Marc Iavaroni whose contract has one guaranteed season left."

"Woodson is close to Larry Brown, who was said to be in Atlanta recently, raising speculation about Brown going to Atlanta in some role... Perhaps the biggest restricted free agent this summer will be Raptors point guard Jose Calderon. The Raptors say they'll match any offer and probably must with T.J. Ford's uncertain health, but figure the Bulls to be among a dozen teams chasing him."

"Something significant has happened: The same owners who backed Billy Knight to the hilt in the fight against Steve Belkin in the summer of 2005 have disregarded Knight’s recommendation that Mike Woodson be fired. The general manager who once inspired blind trust in his ownership (if not his fan base) has lost his hold and might soon lose his job."

"Hawks general manager Billy Knight wanted to fire head coach Mike Woodson two weeks ago — but the owners refused, according to two people familiar with the conversation, including one within the organization."

"In that case, the Heat could make an all-or-nothing run at Toronto's Jose Calderon, with the Raptors expected to match any outside offer for the restricted free agent. The unrestricted choices at the position include the less tempting likes of former FIU star Carlos Arroyo, former Dillard star Keyon Dooling, Tyronn Lue and Beno Udrih."

"Hawks coach Mike Woodson's name was mentioned on ESPN on Friday as a possible replacement for former Indiana coach Kelvin Sampson, who resigned Friday after agreeing to a buyout with the school now that the NCAA is investigating Sampson for possible recruiting violations."

"They could have fired Woodson — his contract expires June 30, which means there are no full seasons to buy out — when they lost seven of eight at the end of January. They should have fired him over the All-Star break when they’d lost four in a row and fallen to ninth in the East."

"As for the Hawks’ present and future, Gearon expects results, which he should. Which means Woodson has to produce in a hurry. Which means his fate will depend on whether the Hawks spend their last 33 games ending the distinction of having the NBA’s longest current streak for a team missing the playoffs at eight seasons. With Bibby, the Hawks aren’t so young and flawed anymore."

"Atlanta has some interest in Bobcats guard Matt Carroll. I hope this team doesn't move him. We saw what Carroll can do last season, and they need to work him through this slump, not discard him."

"There is agreement in the locker room that these Hawks, as presently constituted, haven't given a true representation of who they are. Whether that's a product of their makeup or something else is the lingering question."

"So why do I keep hearing rumblings of discontent with coach Mike Woodson? Granted, the 19-24 record isn't stellar. But should this man be subjected to job threats every time his team loses a couple in a row?"

"So ask yourself this: With the trade deadline approaching, what would better serve the Hawks’ future: 1) Firing the coach; or, 2) Firing the general manager?"

"That makes Kidd a viable option to go to Dallas, which, despite denials from coach Avery Johnson, remains very much in the hunt. The Lakers also could work their way into the mix if they decide to make forward Lamar Odom available."

"I'm sure a young team like Se attle, Memphis, Atlanta or Portland or even a veteran team like the Celtics could use someone like Snow."

"They can't hide from the chatter. They can't escape the ongoing debate that rages daily regarding the future of Hawks coach Mike Woodson."

"Josh Smith, Atlanta: This is where the 76ers need to make their mark. Smith will be a restricted free agent this summer, which means the Hawks can match any offer for him."

"Al Horford is still a rookie, but I really see him being a big-time talent. Couldn't a package of Tyrus Thomas and Ben Gordon be put together with a couple of minor pieces to grab him? ... I was wondering if we gave up Kirk, Gordon and Tyrus for Gilbert Arenas. Arenas is a star, and I heard rumors he wants out. Arenas, Sefolosha and Deng."

"The Warriors, once again, are in need of a reserve point guard now that they've learned Troy Hudson is possibly out for the season after unavoidable hip surgery. In Hudson, the Warriors hoped to address one of their notable weaknesses -- a backup for starting point guard Baron Davis, who has a history of injury and is playing a lot of minutes already this season. That need has suddenly resurfaced now that Hudson is expected to go under the knife in the coming days. So, how can the Warriors refill this hole? Glad you asked. Here are some feasible options:"

"Short-term, Wallace said the Griz have no plans to move Gasol, who is often mentioned in trade rumors. Memphis has received calls and standing trade offers for Gasol from at least two teams -- Charlotte and Atlanta -- according to insiders."

"The NBA coaching carousel is at a standstill -- for now at least. NBA coaching changes this time of year are about as common as Midwest snowfall. And Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Woodson is among those hoping to avoid getting caught up in the potential coaching flurry."