NBA Trade Speculation: Best Plan B's If Hawks Trade Josh Smith

Phillips Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks, is often referred to as "The Highlight Factory".  This is due in large part to the electrifying athleticism of Josh Smith.  He is a player that can energize an entire building from one simple play.  His high flying dunks and crushing blocks have been shown over and over on SportsCenter.  

Despite all of this, he has his down sides.  If he ever even looks like his is thinking of shooting the ball from more than five feet away, Hawks fans will begin to boo.  It is well known Smith is no shooter, regardless of what he believes.  Another down side is the money the Hawks owe him.  He still has two years left on his contract with $25 million still to come.

Rumors have been circulating that the Hawks are shopping Josh Smith around the league, looking for some type of trade to not only alleviate the money issue, but also to provide a change that can take the Hawks to the next level.  So if Josh Smith is traded, what are the best outcomes for Atlanta?    

Los Angeles Clippers

Speculations have be made that the Los Angeles Clippers could send one time all-star Chris Kaman to Atlanta.  Kaman would provide a solid center that the Hawks have desperately desired for years now.  This would allow Al Horford to move to power forward, a position he is more comfortable in.

Al-Farouq Aminu has also been thrown in the talks.  The Georgia native was drafted eighth overall in 2010 by the Clippers.  Of course their fans might not find this deal so attractive, as some believe this would be giving up too much for Smith.  However, if the Hawks could find a way to make this deal they would benefit greatly.  Kaman is an eight year veteran.  His first all-star game was last season, despite having a decline several statistics.  He was named a replacement on the team for the injured Brandon Roy.    

Orlando Magic

Orlando is the team that is currently receiving all the buzz in the trade talks for Josh Smith.  Everywhere you look someone is weighing in about how legitimate the trade talks between the two are.  

So, who would the Hawks receive in a trade with the Magic? Let's be completely honest, Dwight Howard is not coming to Atlanta.  If anyone truly believes that Orlando would give their best player to a division rival, then hopefully they are just a huge Hawks supporter with outrageous fantasies.  The realistic options would include some sort of combination of J.J. Redick, Jameer Nelson, Ryan Anderson, Gilbert Arenas, and a few others.  

Most of the combinations with the Magic would set the Hawks back money-wise, so there would be no sense in making a deal.  Also, none of the possible options would provide the Hawks with proven center, a piece I believe should be the main goal for the Hawks to acquire.  Jameer Nelson is a more talented point guard, but seeing that the Hawks just traded for a new PG, what would be the point of that?  

If the hawks could get Ryan Anderson and one other decent player, I think they would benefit.  Anderson is a great outside shooter, something the Hawks lack.  With him on the court, it could spread the defense out and open up room penetration plays.  

New Jersey Nets

The New Jersey Nets have been mentioned now.  Mikhail Prokhorov, the Nets new owner, seems like a guy who would love to have an explosive player like Josh Smith.  But looking at their roster, there aren't many options for the Hawks. 

Brook Lopez would be the deal of a lifetime, but he is most likely untouchable.  Lopez has averaged 17.4 points and 7.6 rebounds in his three years in the league.  He is a great offensive player who would also allow Al Horford to move to PF.  Let's not get our hopes up though.  

Other than Lopez, the Nets do not possess anyone who would really help the Hawks.  Anthony Morrow is a young talent who has surprised many after going undrafted.  The Georgia Tech alum, Morrow is a sniper from the perimeter.  If the Hawks could grab him and a big man, possibly Travis Outlaw, they could add some depth to their bench.    

Free Agents

If the actually is an NBA season in 2011, the Hawks have several options in free agency to add some pieces if Josh Smith is traded.  

I would like to see Tyson Chandler come to the Hawks.  He just won a championship with the Mavericks, so he instantly brings the experience to the team.  At 7'1'' he is a true center that the Hawks need, and would work well with Horford down low.  He won't bring much offense to the table, as most of his points come from put backs and alley-oops, but he would be a good addition to this team.  

Shane Battier is a veteran who could provide more defense for the Hawks, another aspect they have lacked at times.  Battier is known for his ability to lock down on opposing shooters, and he could bring that talent to Atlanta.  

Jeff Foster, former Indiana Pacer, is another veteran hitting the market.  He wouldn't provide a whole lot of help at the age of 34, but he is a big man that could get some minutes and bring down a few rebounds.

There are several other options out there, but it will mainly depend on what kind of cap space the Hawks can free up.  Atlanta has a love/hate relationship with Josh Smith.  Smith has already voiced his desire to stay with the team.  He likes playing here, but that might not be enough to keep him around.