7 Teams That Must Go All-in on Josh Smith at NBA Trade Deadline

Recently, Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith demanded a trade after becoming fed up with his team.  He's been having a great season, averaging a career-high 17.4 points and 9.7 rebounds, and his trade value is at an all-time high.

Yet, in a report by Steve Kyler of Hoopsworld, team management has told Smith's camp that the odds of a trade happening by Thursday are slim.  Something could easily happen by the draft, but Smith clearly wants out now, and given the number of teams in the league with needs at both small and power forward, Smith's well-rounded game would be a welcome addition.

That said, here are seven teams who absolutely must throw everything they have at the Hawks in hopes of acquiring the dynamic Smith.

No. 7: San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are currently the No. 2 team in the competitive Western Conference, but they're an old squad sitting four and a half games behind the young and talented Oklahoma City Thunder.  To avoid another embarrassing first-round exit like last year's, they're going to need to acquire some help at small forward, as Richard Jefferson is little more than a shooter at this point.

Trading for Smith would add some youth to the team's aging lineup. He is only 26 years old and will provide some great defense opposite Tim Duncan and DeJuan Blair.  On top of that, his mid-range shooting and dunking will provide enough of a spark to drive the team on another potential NBA Finals run.

No. 6: Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets need help at both forward positions, and badly.  Danilo Gallinari is still slowed by an ankle injury and should return to form soon, but his three-point shooting is his best skill and he may be better suited to a sixth-man role.

At power forward, Al Harrington is more of a scorer and rookie Kenneth Faried still has a lot to learn.  Smith could provide help at both forward spots here, using his electrifying ability to fire up both the fans and the team.

More importantly, his playing style could potentially mesh perfectly with point guard Ty Lawson, possibly building a legendary on-court relationship.

No. 5: Golden State Warriors

The Warriors have a laundry list of needs, and help at small forward is one of them.  Dorell Wright did fine last year, averaging 16.4 points and shooting 38 percent from long range.  Yet, he has regressed this year both in points and minutes, and a change may be needed.

The team currently has a reputation as an offensive powerhouse with two electrifying shooters in Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry (when he's able to play), but offense means nothing without some reliable defense to back it up.  Enter Smith, whose scoring on the inside along with his tough defense could potentially change the culture of the team.

It's a risky trade, but the Warriors simply cannot afford to not take a risk.

No. 4: Houston Rockets

Luis Scola has been part of trade rumors all year long, particularly in a failed deal that would have sent Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers.  Seeing as how Rockets GM Daryl Morey appears to be willing to deal him, why not talk to the Hawks about acquiring Smith?

Smith makes sense for the Rockets in that he is a lot like Scola, but more blue collar.  Both players are tough, but Smith brings just a little more to the table with his long wingspan and shot-blocking ability.

On the Hawks' end, the trade makes even more sense.  Sure, they lose Smith, but they get a fine forward in Scola and the best part of it all is that they get to trade their star player out of the Eastern Conference, where he could come back to bite them...HARD

No. 3: Indiana Pacers

It's no secret that this year has been one to forget for Danny Granger.  He's averaging 18.1 points per game, but has only shot 39 percent from the floor.  That's unacceptable considering he is the Pacers' top scoring threat.

In a report by Ben Golliver of CBSsports.com, Granger has admitted that he is "uncertain" as to whether or not he will be traded.  Given how the Pacers are currently No. 5 in the flat-out unpredictable Eastern Conference, the Pacers need to do themselves a favor and trade Granger and a draft pick for Smith.

Smith would have a bit of an adjustment coming to Indiana, but he would eventually fully embrace his new role as the top dog on a young team.  His fast-paced style would electrify the fans of the small-market Pacers and the team could perhaps once again return to where they were during the glory days of the '90s.

No. 2: New Jersey Nets

The New Jersey Nets might as well be called the New Jersey Mess now, because they're just that bad.  The closest thing to a small forward they have is DeShawn Stevenson, and he's just flat out awful.

Forget Deron Williams, Kris Humphries or anyone else team management feels is necessary to lure Dwight Howard in free agency.  If owner Mikhail Prokhorov really wants to attract D12, he'll trade Humphries, Jordan Farmar and draft picks to Atlanta to acquire Smith, who could turn the Nets from a limp noodle into a lightning rod.

I've been to see the Nets at the Prudential Center twice, and it's sad how many people go there to see the opposing team and how few Nets fans there are.  In adding someone like Smith, more Nets fans would emerge out of the shadows and ticket sales would start to go through the roof.

No. 1: Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers have done a great job this year after trading for Chris Paul, but something is still missing.  Sure, Blake Griffin is good and DeAndre Jordan has been a great part of Lob City, but Caron Butler has struggled recently and it could be time to deal him, seeing as how he is not much more than a scorer who plays occasional defense.

That said, trading him and possibly Eric Bledsoe for Smith could easily put the Clippers over the hump.  Not only would it give Paul some extra incentive to sign a new contract with the team, but it would also turn the Clips from Lob City into Lob Metropolis, with Smith's insane work above the rim.

Yet, there's one big obstacle to overcome in this potential trade, and that's Clippers owner Donald Sterling (pictured).  He has long had a reputation as a cheap owner who spends little to no money on his players, and some Clippers fans must surely be shaking in their boots over the possibility of losing both Paul AND Griffin.  However, if Sterling turns over a new leaf and acquires Smith, the Clippers could easily become more than just a tax write-off for him.