NBA Trade Rumors: Do The San Antonio Spurs Even Need Josh Smith?
By Chris Walder
Oct 10, 2012; San Antonio, TX, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) drives against San Antonio Spurs forward Derrick Brown (1) during the first half at the AT
You can add the San Antonio Spurs to the laundry list of teams that are looking to make a run at Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith.
Just like the Energizer Bunny, these rumors keep going and going and going….
According to a report by Yahoo Sports, the Spurs are showing interest in possibly making a deal with Atlanta to acquire Smith.
"The Spurs are among the teams with interest in Hawks forward Josh Smith, a source told Yahoo! Sports. Keep in mind, Hawks general manager Danny Ferry was previously with the Spurs."
The Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets have all been linked to Smith in possible trades that may occur before the February 21st deadline.
Through 47 games in the 2012-13 season, Josh is averaging 17.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.3 steals in 35.8 minutes per contest.
The Spurs are currently the only team in the NBA with at least 40 wins with a record of 41-12, which is best in the entire league.
Smith is reportedly seeking a max contract, which is something the Hawks are not inclined to give him.
If San Antonio does make a deal for Josh, it’s up in the air as to whether or not he would re-sign with the team, as he’s eligible to become an unrestricted free-agent at the end of the season. He’s currently in the final year of his contract, which is paying him $13.2 million.
Even so, do the Spurs really need him at this point?
Their current record speaks for itself, but when the playoffs roll on through, it’s a completely different story.
San Antonio was bounced from the Western Conference Finals last season by the Oklahoma City Thunder, so having a guy like Josh Smith on the roster to combat an offensive weapon like Kevin Durant on the defensive end would be absolutely huge.
If the Spurs want to get back to the NBA Finals, they would undoubtedly need to go through Oklahoma City to do so.
I don’t see them taking on Josh if he’s only going to be around for one playoff run. There would need to be some sort of guarantee that Smith would re-sign and be around for the long haul.
I truly believe that the Spurs are fine just the way they are, and that Josh Smith wouldn’t give them any better a shot at winning a championship than if they were to keep their roster intact past the deadline and make due with what they already have.
Atlanta isn’t going to just give Josh up without demanding a lot in return. The $10 million dollar expiring contract of Stephen Jackson would be a valuable trade chip, but the Hawks would certainly ask for some young pieces as well, which may include the likes of Tiago Splitter and/or Kawhi Leonard.
It wouldn’t be worth it at that point.
The “Big Three” of Duncan/Ginobili/Parker won’t be around forever, so R.C Buford and the Spurs organization may go all in on a guy like Smith in order to achieve one more championship before that era comes to a close.
If trading for Josh Smith means too many important core pieces get sent packing in the process, then I don’t see how that benefits the Spurs this season and beyond.
The best team in the NBA breaking up their roster at midseason doesn’t make sense.
Chris Walder is the Editor of Sir Charles in Charge. You may follow him on Twitter at @WalderSports