NBA Rumors: Atlanta Hawks Must Begin Actively Shopping Josh Smith

It is time for the Atlanta Hawks to part ways with star forward Josh Smith. This team has hit its ceiling as it's currently constructed, and Smith is likely going to leave Atlanta after next season in free agency anyway. 

Hoops World's Lang Greene shared some inside info that points towards Smith's bolting in free agency. 

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Smith’s current deal expires at the end of next season and when pressed on the issue the veteran forward insists he’ll play out his contract and then evaluate his options once he hits free agency.

However, sources close to Smith maintain the veteran would wholeheartedly welcome a change of scenery if it meant going to a team ready to make deeper postseason runs.

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Watching a valuable player like Smith walk in free agency is not something this team can allow to happen. They need to make it known that he is available and take the most attractive offer they receive for him. 

And he should get plenty of interest on the trade market. This past season, he averaged 18.8 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. He is an All-Star-caliber power forward, and those do not come along every day. 

Even if the Hawks somehow did manage to re-sign Smith, it is clear that this roster is not capable of leading them to the promised land. They have turned into a perennial playoff disappointment. 

They are also entering the perfect offseason to make big changes. As Greene pointed out, they have just six players under contract next season, and a whopping $61 million in salary tied up in those players. 

This leaves them with little room to make big adjustments to the team via free agency. If they want to jump-start this franchise, they have to pursue a big trade, and Smith is the perfect place to start.