NBA Trade Rumors: Hawks Would Be Crazy to Deal Josh Smith to Move Up in Draft

I understand why a team like the Atlanta Hawks would want to improve upon the 22nd selection at the NBA draft. With a lot of depth and solid players to be had even at the end of the lottery, moving up could net a very good player.

What I don't understand is why a team like the Hawks would be willing to move a proven player like Josh Smith to do so. Yet, that is apparently a consideration, according to Sam Amico of FOXSportsOhio.com:

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The Hawks are said to be one team placing calls to improve their draft position. They currently own the No. 23 pick. One GM said the Hawks floated the names of both Josh Smith and Marvin Williams as potential trade chips.

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I understand that Smith's attitude, shot selection and tendency to do his own thing on the court rather than fall in line with the game plan can be incredibly frustrating.

I also understand that he averaged 19.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game this year, is one of the league's most dynamic athletes and is a force on the defensive end. He was a beast in the playoffs against Boston, averaging 16.8 points, 13.6 rebounds and an impressive 4.8 assists per game.

During the month of February (23.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game), he was as good as any player in the NBA. The numbers obviously weren't sustainable over the course of the season, but it's not as though the rest of the time he was only averaging 10.0 and 5.0, either.

I always hesitate to advocate moving proven players for draft picks—especially when the Hawks would probably need to move into the top four or five picks to nab a player that not only possessed huge upside, but also has shown a refined enough game to be a safe bet to perform in the NBA.

I don't see that happening.

If this is only about the money (2012-13 is the last year of Smith's contract, and he'll likely want a substantial extension), the team should really try to move Marvin Williams and his overpriced contract first. While a productive small forward, he's nothing special.

But Smith is dynamic, and I think he's worth the occasional headaches. The Hawks must think long and hard about what they are receiving in return if they decide to move him.

Nothing is guaranteed at the draft; and while Smith can be unpredictable on the court himself, he nonetheless produces.

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