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NBA Trade Rumors: Hawks Looking to Trade Josh Smith and Kirk Hinrich?
Another season, another playoff appearance and another exit before the Conference Finals for the Atlanta Hawks.
They played the Chicago Bulls tough, and look to be on the rise as one of the most exciting teams in the Eastern Conference.
Heading into next season, the Hawks could be making some dramatic moves which could move their franchise in a totally different direction.
Jeff Schulz of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution was quoted regarding Josh Smith's future in an ESPN Insider report:
Dealing Smith gives the Hawks a chance to acquire a legitimate starting center. Jeff Teague's ascent opens the possibility of including Kirk Hinrich and his expiring $8.1 million contract in the trade. There are options. But after seven years, Smith's exit would be beneficial for both parties.
Kind of shocking after Smith's playoff efforts, but financially, it may be in the Hawks' best interest to move Smith.
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I do like Teague over Hinrich, who brings much more to the court offensively. The defensive drop-off between the two isn't substantial enough for Hinrich to be kept around.
It'll be interesting to see what Atlanta could get in return for a budding star like Smith and a defensive stopper like Hinrich.
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