NBA Trade Scenarios: 10 Teams Destined to Land Josh Smith

The disgruntled, and often booed, power forward out of Oak Hill Academy has been involved in speculation that the Hawks organization is tired of Smith's outlandish behavior on the court and his lurking on the offensive end of the court.

Smith, who is in his sixth season with the Hawks, shot his best percentage from three-point land this season with 33 percent following up on his zero percent three-point performance in 2010.

Smith's shooting and utter laziness has forced the Hawks organization to consider trading No. 5.

In the next 10 slides, I'll tell you who should be involved in trade talks for the sixth-year veteran. 

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns would be the perfect trade partners with the Hawks.

Atlanta tested out the "rotate-a-center" theory the Boston Celtics made famous in 2009 against Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. The theory worked as the Hawks made it to the second round of the NBA Playoffs, only to fall short to Joakim Noah and the Chicago Bulls.

The Hawks desperately need a center who can bang inside with Dwight Howard, but also contend with the elite centers in the league.

Enter Marcin Gortat, the fourth-year pro out of Poland.

Gortat showed his worth subbing in for Howard over three seasons in Orlando, before bursting out with a strong season in Phoenix. Gortat had 483 defensive rebounds last season. A phenomenal number for a player that started only 14 games over the 2010-11 season.

Smith would fit in Phoenix beside Steve Nash and the uptempo offense they run. His quickness and defensive awareness could bring the Suns back to prominence in the Western Conference. 

Golden State Warriors

Another uptempo team that loves running in transition is the Golden State Warriors. 

After ultra productive seasons in New York, David Lee seemed to under produce in Cali. Josh Smith fits the style of offense the Warriors like to run and also brings a defensive mentality to the floor.

While his offensive stats don't compare to Lee's, Smith's athleticism and intensity on the boards could be reason enough for the Warriors to pull the trigger on this blockbuster deal. 

Houston Rockets

Once again, the Hawks need a big man and they won't consider moving Smith unless they get a center or some sort of young guard in return.

Hasheem Thabeet could be considered the next NBA bust with 318 total rebounds in two seasons. Atlanta could be inclined to "go for broke" and take a chance on Thabeet.

The 7'3" center from Tanzania is an intriguing option for a smaller Hawks unit that struggled in seasons before with size. 

The Rockets interchanged Luis Scola and Patrick Patterson at forward, but could use the athleticism of the 6'9" forward on the floor with Goran Dragic and Kevin Martin.

Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards could be an excellent fit for J-Smoove.

John Wall, Josh Smith, and JaVale McGee could combine to be the best young trio in the league. Their athleticism and ability to get out in transition could change the way teams defend them. Don't forget the size Smith and McGee bring to the table on the defensive end as well.

Andray Blatche could be an easy player to swap from Washington. The 6'11" forward/center is a five year pro and could quickly come in and make a difference in the Atlanta organization.

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls could be another interesting fit for Josh Smith.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau, former defensive mastermind for the Celtics, loves defensive-minded power forwards. Therefore he wouldn't mind moving Carlos Boozer (and possible Kyle Korver) in exchange for Smith and maybe Kirk Hinrich.

Korver would give the Hawks another scorer, while getting another solid power forward. Smith would be an explosive match with Derrick Rose, while Hinrich would return to his roots and offer a backup to Rose.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs aren't ones to make blockbuster trades, but after their early exit against the Memphis Grizzlies, they might be more inclined to get younger.

Antonio McDyess could be a perfect match in exchange for Josh Smith from the Hawks.

Smith would be forced to finally grow up in San Antonio under Gregg Popovich and tutelage of Tim Duncan. His defensive intensity is enough to get the Spurs to make a move for him, but his reliance on three-point shooting might shy away other offers.

Los Angeles Clippers

Josh Smith might just love the Los Angeles scenery.

He could also be paired with the defending Rookie of the Year, Blake Griffin. Smith and Griffin at the forward positions could be the most dynamic, athletic pairing in the league.

The Hawks would also get Chris Kaman, a former All-Star selection, to finally complete their roster and move Al Horford down the four.

Los Angeles Lakers

Kirk Hinrich and Josh Smith in exchange for Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest can't be that bad of a deal can it?

If the Lakers really are persistent about trading Bynum, Smith could be a difference off the bench or in the starting five for the L.A. squad. Playing around veterans like Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom could help the fifth-year player mature quickly while bringing his talents to another level. 

Atlanta would obviously be the beneficiary in this deal though, by getting the young, but injury-prone Andrew Bynum.

Boston Celtics

Another deal involving aging players to the Hawks in exchange for youth would be the potential Josh Smith and Jamal Crawford for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen deal.

Smith would be reunited with former running mate Rajon Rondo and could form quite the tandem if Smith stopped shooting the three ball, a la Rasheed Wallace.

The Hawks would get a more physical power forward and the best shooter in the history of the league, Ray Allen.

Orlando Magic

Honestly, the least likely of all the options listed before, but Josh Smith has made it known he wants to play in the NBA with his best friend, Dwight Howard.

You can't leave the Orlando Magic off a list of potential landing spots for Josh Smith due to the fact that he is such good friends with Howard.

The Hawks would have no reason to move Smith to the Magic regardless of what they could offer due to the rivalry they have developed over the past three years.

Conclusion

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