Speculation or Rumor? - Are the C's Pursuing Josh Smith via Sign and Trade?

[KG Fan]

So I was perusing Hoopshype and...

Josh Smith, one of the top free agents after Howard and Chris Paul, is a top candidate to wind up in Boston via a sign-and-trade. The Celtics nearly got him in the past in trades with the Hawks and are looking to pair him with his former AAU teammate, Rajon Rondo

Is this a rumor or just mere speculation? The "...are looking" feels to me like they are reporting a rumor, but perhaps I'm overreacting.

[Neurotic Guy]

So I was perusing Hoopshype and...

Josh Smith, one of the top free agents after Howard and Chris Paul, is a top candidate to wind up in Boston via a sign-and-trade. The Celtics nearly got him in the past in trades with the Hawks and are looking to pair him with his former AAU teammate, Rajon Rondo

Is this a rumor or just mere speculation? The "...are looking" feels to me like they are reporting a rumor, but perhaps I'm overreacting.

Doesn't make any sense to me unless he is willing to sign at a bargain -- 10-12M.  That immediately ruins any real chance at high-lottery hopes.  Smith is good enough to help us win 5-10 more games and not anywhere near good enough to lead us to championship contention.

[rondoallaturca]

Doesn't make any sense to me unless he is willing to sign at a bargain -- 10-12M.  That immediately ruins any real chance at high-lottery hopes.  Smith is good enough to help us win 5-10 more games and not anywhere near good enough to lead us to championship contention.

If Smith is willing to back down from his egregious contract demands and accepts a contract with Boston for $10-$12M, I'd do it. I'm not a fan of Smith either, but if we could secure Rondo, Green, and Smith for just $30-$32M combined, that'd be an absolutely phenomenal bargain for talent, and I would bite.

[LooseCannon]

From what I gather, Ainge's mindset would be to explore what Atlanta would want in a sign-and-trade, consider what dollar figure would make it right for Boston to sign Smith, and see if there is also a shot at picking something up as a third team in a deal.

[danglertx]

I think trading them our exception would be enough.

[LooseCannon]

I think trading them our exception would be enough.

The exception would not be large enough to cover Smith's contract.  If the Hawks tried to use cap space to sign a free agent, they would have to renounce trade exceptions.

[Evantime34]

Would the hawks take Humphries and a first in 2015 or 16? for Smith. If you can convince Josh Smith to play at reasonable price with Rondo, then if it doesn't work out they can move Smith. Even if you don't like the idea of signing Smith he would be an asset that could be used to rebuild.

[WeMadeIt17]

I do think Smith is coming here. I think this roster makes no sense as is right now, and Danny is looking to use those draft picks and some of the nets guys to move in multiple sign and trades.