The Smith situation is a realistic possibility. Ferry is trying to acquire pieces and create cap flexibility as his first order of business. He must know that the likelihood of Smith re-signing is nil.
Before Ferry was hired, Smith told the Hawks he wants to be traded to a franchise he considers to be more committed to winning a championship. There’s been no indication that Smith has changed his mind after Ferry’s hire, which does nothing to placate Smith’s desire to also play in what he believes to be a better sports market. Smith’s contract expires after next season.
Ferry said he plans to meet with Smith soon.
“I have talked to Josh, and we agreed to get together,” he said. “It was a positive conversation.”
As for the C's, it's becoming apparent that it's going to be much easier to replace Bradley via free agency (Terry, Mayo, Young, etc.) than it is to find a high level 4 or 5 to play alongside KG. The plan all along was for Bass to replace Baby and add offensive punch off the bench, not to be a starter. I think that mindset is probably still in place. Bass may be be a good player, but he's not really a starter on a title contending team.
I think a Bass, Bradley, and Johnson for Smith trade would be dependent on our ability to re-sign Allen, and add one of the many scorers/shooters we have reportedly have interest in. If we can't do both then the Smith acquisition becomes much less likely.
Judging by the proposed trade below, it looks as though the Bass, Bradley, Johnson package will be something that Ferry would agree to. Atlanta would be able to add 3 roster spots, 2 still under rookie contracts, for less than Smith would command as a FA next summer.
ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reports that a discussed proposal would have the Nets sending Atlanta Jordan Farmar, Johan Petro, Anthony Morrow and Jordan Williams. According to Stein, the Hawks are insisting that former Tucker High star MarShon Brooks be included in the deal while Brooklyn would rather Atlanta take on one of its free agents in a sign-and-trade.
It would hurt to lose Bradley, but I do feel that Rondo could make Smith look as good as Nash made Amare look in Phoenix.