Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports recently reported that the Hawks are gauging interest for Josh Smith, one of the most athletic big men in the league.
Smith would reportedly be interested in joining the Houston Rockets. Smith also approves of trades to the Celtics, Nets, and Magic. It has been reported that Smith has not yet requested a trade, but a league source seems to hint at a divorce:
“The relationship has run its course.”
Payroll may be another reason for the possible move; Smith is due almost $26 M over the next two years. Though he may very well be worth the money, fellow-Hawk Joe Johnson is also enjoying the fruits of his max contract. He will average $20 M over the next five years.
Is Josh Smith the final piece to the puzzle? Clearly not. The Rockets don’t really need another PF, but such a move would make the Rockets more exciting. Did I mention that he’s just 25 years old? In a league where stars decide who wins and where, this may be a monumental piece for the Rockets to remain relevant for the next decade.