NBA Trade Rumors: 4 Reasons the Atlanta Hawks Should Not Deal Josh Smith

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ATLANTA, GA - MAY 12: Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks against the Chicago Bulls in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Phillips Arena on May 12, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges

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Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith has been in trade rumors heavily since the playoffs. The seven-year high-flyer is obviously seen as expendable in the eyes of Hawks management.

They are also looking to save some money by getting rid of his contract which is worth about $25.8 over the next two seasons.

Despite what can be gained from trading the former Slam Dunk Contest champ, Atlanta should keep him around. Here's why.

Well Roundedness

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 10: Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks grabs a rebound over teammate Al Horford #15 and Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on May 10, 2011

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Josh Smith is one of the league's most prolific stat-stuffers. He can put up points, rebounds, assists steals and blocks in bunches.

He is a threat to put up a triple double every night. There are not many players who can put up big numbers in multiple statistical categories like he can.

Defense

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 06: Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks against the Carlos Boozer #5 of the Chicago Bulls in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Phillips Arena on May 6, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: Us

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Josh Smith is one of the more versatile defenders in the NBA. He is real long and agile which helps him defend a wide range of positions. Dealing him away would leave the Hawks less flexible on defense. They'll be without a guy who can contest shots at the rim, as well as someone who can pressure a ball handler.

The Best May Still Be Yet to Come

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 08: Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a foul was overturned as an inadvertent whistle to the Hawks possession against the Chicago Bulls in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Phillips

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Josh Smith is already an extremely solid NBA player. But at only 25 1/2, he has much time to grow. He's still young enough to learn some new things that will make him better. Physically he is in his prime, but don't be surprised if he mentally matures and enhances his skills.

Probably Won't Help

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 08: Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks against the Chicago Bulls in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Phillips Arena on May 8, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Part of the Hawks' plan of trading Josh Smith is to get better. Any players they get in return probably Won't help them get any further in the playoffs than they have recently. The departure of Smith will take away all the good he provides for the Hawks as well as their current chemistry. They can find ways to improve in other ways.

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