The Los Angeles Lakers have made it no secret that they'd be willing to deal veteran big man Pau Gasol in the right deal. The Atlanta Hawks have made very little efforts to conceal they would be willing to trade forward Josh Smith if the right offer came on the table. It appears the Lakers and Hawks would be solid trade partners, but that may not be the case.
Here is the latest from the Atlanta Journal Constitution:
In addition to (Joe) Johnson, the Hawks have been open to moving forward Josh Smith though they've resisted offers so far. Apparently the Hawks balked at a potential deal with the Lakers for Pau Gasol because L.A. wanted another major piece to go along with Smith. That would leave the Hawks with less than six players under contract, less talent, and no short-term cap relief because of the $38 million and two years remaining on Gasol's contract.
This news comes as a big surprise if true. Yes, Smith has his issues on the court, but Gasol isn't getting any younger. For the Lakers to insist on yet another impact piece along with Smith is odd, if not foolish. Gasol is expensive and does not have a ton of trade value, and he's on a steep decline at this point in his career.
There's always a chance the Lakers and Hawks begin negotiating yet again, but it looks like L.A. will have to lower their asking price if they hope to land Smith anytime soon.
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