NBA Trade Rumors: Latest on Josh Smith, Ben Gordon and Kris Humphries

Feb 5, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) brings the ball up court against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta entertaining offers for Josh Smith

Josh Smith is one of the biggest names in the league heading into free agency this summer. His representatives were scheduled to meet with the Hawks front office in order to discuss their client’s future with the franchise.

Only a couple of weeks ago, Smith proclaimed that he himself believes that he is worth a max contract. According to TNT analyst David Aldridge, the Atlanta Hawks don’t agree:

The Atlanta Hawks are entertaining trade offers around the league for forward Josh Smith, but have yet to decide whether they will deal the ninth-year forward, according to league sources.

The Hawks met with Smith’s representatives this week, at which point the team indicated it was not willing to give Smith a max contract after this season, according to a source.

The Hawks are set to be a major player in this summer’s free agency and are not willing to lock up Josh Smith for what would be a 5-year deal worth around $94 million.

Atlanta has been a solid playoff team in the past few years, but due to the huge contract of Joe Johnson, the team was unable to progress. The last thing the team wants is to be stuck in the same situation.

Aldridge continues to say that, according to Hoopsworld, the Phoenix Suns, who are in search of a new face to the franchise, have been in talks with the Hawks.

Nets and Bobcats discussing potential deal

According to Chris Broussard, of ESPN, the Brooklyn Nets and the Charlotte Bobcats could potentially look to do business before the Feb. 21 trade deadline:

Sources: Nets & Bobcats discussing Ben Gordon for Kris Humphries trade. Nothing imminent but talks ongoing. Story on espn.con shortly

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) February 8, 2013

Kris Humphries has been struggling this season and it was rumored earlier this week that the Nets are shopping the power forward. Humphries and Gordon have almost identical contracts, so a straight up swap between the teams could be a possibility.

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