Atlanta Hawks Trade Rumors

Atlanta Hawks: Good fit for Fesenko?
"The Hawks plan to sign a center and it almost certainly will be a guy on a 10-day contract rather than a permanent addition. They've discussed Kyrylo Fesenko, Erick Dampier and Dan Gadzuric but, as far as I know, they haven't inquired with those guys yet to gauge their interest in a short-term gig in Atlanta. I've always thought Fesenko, the massive 7-foot Ukranian, is probably the best item in the Big Man Bargain Bin (excluding Joel Przybilla, who has eyes for the Heat or Bulls). But you figured something was up when the Warriors reportedly had an agreement with Fesenko in December but balked at signing him and then passed on him again after Kwame Brown went down last month. Word is the"
Kenyon Martin cleared to return to NBA
"In a surprising turn of events, the governing body of international basketball – FIBA – has granted free agent Kenyon Martin his letter of clearance to immediately return to the NBA, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Martin has visited with several teams interested in signing him, including Atlanta on Thursday, and will huddle with agent Andy Miller in New York over the weekend to reach a decision. The Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat are leaders for Martin, but the Hawks, Lakers, New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs remain in pursuit of him. New York has faded from contention in recent weeks, sources said, because of more pressing guard needs."
Hawks meet with rep for Kenyon Martin
"The Hawks met Thursday with a representative for center Kenyon Martin, according to a person with knowledge of the team's thinking. Martin, 34, averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds in 48 games for the Nuggets last season. The 11-year veteran signed a one-year deal to play in China with Xinjiang during the NBA lockout last summer. He is eligible to return to the NBA following the Chinese season in several weeks. Martin has reportedly been offered a contract by the Heat. ESPN recently reported that he is also interested in signing with the Clippers, Spurs and Knicks, along with the Hawks and Heat."
Kenyon Martin deciding which contender to join
"Kenyon Martin is expected to decide by this weekend which NBA team he'll join, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks have expressed interest in signing the veteran forward. Martin signed with Xinjiang Gyang Hui of the Chinese Basketball Association, but has since returned to the United States. He's not eligible to sign with an NBA team until Xinjiang's season ends, which could be as soon as Feb. 16. "He's a veteran guy who knows how to win at a high level and in a playoff environment," one NBA general manager said. "He also plays multiple positions. If you get him to a situation"
Sources: 5 teams eye Kenyon Martin
"The Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks are pursuing free-agent forward Kenyon Martin, according to league sources. Martin has spoken with executives from each of the clubs and is hoping to make his decision next week. The veteran of 11 NBA seasons will be eligible to sign and begin playing with a team as soon as the Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers complete their season in the Chinese Basketball Association. Martin signed a $2.6 million deal with Xinjiang during the lockout, but left the team in late December in hopes of returning to the NBA. The CBA's rules, however, prohibit him from joining an NBA team until Xinjiang's season ends,"
Magic want veterans, not to rebuild after Howard
"Precisely when the Orlando Magic might be willing to trade Dwight Howard is not yet clear. It's obviously not going to happen fast enough for New Jersey Nets fans, who serenaded their team with chants of "We Want Howard" during a humbling home defeat to the Atlanta Hawks at the Prudential Center on Tuesday night. In the Nets' home opener. However ... There is at least a fairly clear sense out there about what the Magic would eventually want in exchange for Howard if they decide, as widely expected between now and the March 15 deadline, to make sure they get something for their face of the franchise as opposed to risking the possibility that the Team USA center bolts Orlando in July with"
Jamal Crawford says he will sign free agent contract with Trail Blazers
"Jamal Crawford says he has chosen to sign a free agent contract with the Trail Blazers, giving the team the perimeter scoring punch it was looking for after losing Rudy Fernandez and Brandon Roy in the offseason. Crawford said he has yet to sign the contract, believed to be for two years and $10 million, with an option for him to leave after one season. His agent, Andy Miller, also confirmed Crawford's decision to become a Blazer. Crawford, 31, is a 6-foot-5 veteran who can play both guard positions. He has played 11 NBA seasons, the last two with Atlanta, where he was the 2010 Sixth Man of the Year as the NBA's top reserve. That was one of his finest seasons, finishing with averages of"
Free agent Jamal Crawford says Blazers are 'right there' at top of his list
"Jamal Crawford says the Portland Trail Blazers are "right there" in a three-team battle to sign him to a free agent deal. "They are right there, definitely,'' Crawford said by phone late Tuesday night. "I'd be lying if I said they weren't.'' Crawford, 31, said the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks are also in the running for his services. He said he expects to make a decision this week, and will factor three criteria in making his decision: The team's style of play, where the team is headed, and how he fits in with the coach. Crawford was born and raised in Seattle and said he has known Blazers coach Nate McMillan since he was 16. Crawford is also very close to Blazers guard Brandon"
Sources: Pacers eye Jamal Crawford
"The Indiana Pacers have extended a two-year offer worth $10 million to Atlanta Hawks free agent Jamal Crawford that would enable Crawford to return to free agency next summer, according to sources with knowledge of the deal. The Pacers have been chasing Crawford and Memphis Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo, determined to land a guard that can attack and create his own shot before the season starts Christmas Day. The offer to Crawford, which would pay him $5 million annually, includes an opt-out after the first year to allow Crawford to join the free agent class of 2012 if he chooses."
NY Knicks official meets with Jamal Crawford, interim GM Glen Grunwald says he would 'love' to have guard
"Glen Grunwald isn't nearly as famous as his former Indiana Hoosiers teammate, Isiah Thomas, and he's certainly not as evasive as Scott Layden, who would stonewall the media with the best of them. Instead, the Knicks' interim president/GM is more like his predecessor, Donnie Walsh, without the extensive resume. When you asked Walsh a question he gave you an answer. The same is true of Grunwald, who in his first interview session since replacing Walsh last June didn't mince words when asked about the Knicks' reported interest in free agent guard Jamal Crawford. "We'd certainly love to get Jamal back here," Grunwald said during Monday's annual, albeit scaled-down, media day in Greenburgh."
Hawks unlikely to re-sign Jamal Crawford
"General manager Rick Sund said the Hawks are unlikely to pay the luxury tax, a stance that essentially ends the team's chances of re-signing free agent Jamal Crawford. "It's going to be difficult to sign Jamal in a straight signing transaction," Sund said Sunday. "We are looking at other alternatives, of course. You always look at everything but it's not nearly as easy as if you had four months. Four days instead of four months makes it more it more difficult." Sund was referring to the shortened free-agent period that follows the end of the lockout last week. Atlanta opens the regular season on Dec. 27."
Knicks eye Crawford, Barea
"Tyson Chandler and Mike Bibby practiced for the first time yesterday with the Knicks, but interim general manager Glen Grunwald's work wasn't done. He was holed up in his Westchester office, working like a machine, chasing ex-Knick Jamal Crawford and Mavericks' unheralded point guard J.J. Barea, according to NBA sources. Crawford's agent, Andy Miller, has been trying desperately for the past 48 hours to broker a three-team sign-and-trade deal between the Knicks, Hawks and another club under the salary cap to find a creative way to pay Crawford his market value, sources told The Post. The Warriors are one team Miller has tried to engage."
Knicks working on trade to get Jamal Crawford: source
"The Knicks and Hawks were in active discussions today on a three-team sign-and-trade deal that would bring combo Jamal Crawford back to the club, according to an NBA source. One source said the trade has a better than fifty-fifty chance of happening. The third team is under the cap and can inherit a player. Knicks guard Toney Douglas, a native of Atlanta, has been included in one scenario of the talks that began yesterday."
Hawks' Crawford loses $30,000 dispute with landlord
"An Atlanta woman has won a rental dispute with Atlanta Hawks' guard Jamal Crawford. A Fulton County State Court judge ruled last month that Sandra Weber did not owe Crawford more than $30,000 when he moved from the home she rented him, according to court records. Crawford sued his former landlord in January, saying she failed to return to him most of the $20,000 deposit he paid for the Buckhead home he rented from her, or the month's rent he said he overpaid "by mistake," according to the lawsuit."
Tracy McGrady plans to sign with Hawks
"Veteran free agent forward Tracy McGrady plans to sign a one-year contract with the Hawks, according to a person with knowledge of McGrady's intentions. The person did not want to be identified because NBA teams are not allowed to agree to terms until Friday, after the new collective bargaining agreement is ratified by players and owners. However, the person said McGrady told the Hawks he would sign a contract for the veteran's minimum once the rules allow it. McGrady, 32, was the No. 9 overall pick by Toronto in the 1997 draft. He was an All-Star for Orlando and Houston from 2000-01 to 2006-07, but a series of injuries contributed to his steady decline."
Josh Howard drawing interest in free agency
"Josh Howard may have struggled with a left knee injury the past two seasons in Washington, but he has attracted considerable attention with the free agent signing period set to begin on Friday. The Wizards and "five to six" playoff contenders have expressed interest in Howard, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Another person close to Howard confirmed that Boston, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, San Antonio, Denver, New Orleans and New Jersey have all made obligatory calls, with the Wizards, Bulls and Spurs engaging in more frequent conversations."
Hawks' Kirk Hinrich to miss at least first month of season after shoulder surgery
"Hawks general manager Rick Sund said guard Kirk Hinrich had surgery to to remove a cyst and repair the labrum in his left shoulder and is expected to miss at least the first month of the regular season. Hinrich experienced discomfort in his shoulder as a result of offseason workouts and had the procedure in early November. "The injury typically requires three to four months of recovery," Sund said Based on that timeline, Hinrich could be out through the end of February. The 66-game NBA regular season schedule is to begin Dec. 25 if there are no snags in the ratification of the new collective bargaining agreement."
Xinjiang wants to sign Jamal Crawford?
"The Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China are looking to sign Jamal Crawford now that the 2011-12 NBA season appears to be in jeopardy, according to sources close to the situation. Xinjiang has the biggest budget in China even after signing Kenyon Martin and a fresh opening in its backcourt thanks to an injury suffered by ex-NBA guard Quincy Douby, formerly a first-round pick of the Sacramento Kings. League rules only allow Chinese teams to sign NBA free agents, but sources say Xinjiang is hoping to capitalize on the uncertainty created by the NBA's suddenly-uncertain future to land Crawford and fill its need for a backcourt scorer. Crawford, who won the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award with"
Jamal Crawford says Blazers' interest is mutual
"Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge has been openly recruiting free agent guard Jamal Crawford for weeks. On Sunday, Aldridge capped off that recruitment by hosting Crawford's official visit to Portland during the Rip City Basketball Classic charity game, held at the University of Portland's Chiles Center. s Aldridge's plan had been carefully laid. Two weeks ago, he urged Blazers fans on Twitter to make Crawford "feel at home so he will sign with us!" Shortly thereafter, Miami Heat forward LeBron James began his own recruitment of Crawford, prompting Aldridge to write to James: "How are you going to try and steal Jamal Crawford from us?! I already told Portland to make him"
Hawks' sale to Meruelo called off
"Los Angeles businessman Alex Meruelo's deal to buy the Hawks is off. The agreement between Meruelo and Atlanta Spirit Group, signed in August and contingent on NBA approval, was mutually terminated Friday after Meruelo would not meet economic conditions placed on the deal by the league. The termination of the agreement means Atlanta Spirit — a group led by Bruce Levenson, Ed Peskowitz and Michael Gearon Jr. — will remain the Hawks' owner. In fact, the group says it now plans to take the for-sale sign off the franchise and continue to own it indefinitely. "The Atlanta Hawks are no longer for sale," Levenson said in a statement. "We're excited to remain as owners of the Hawks and are"
Hawks sale hits major snag with NBA
"The proposed sale of the Hawks to Los Angeles businessman Alex Meruelo has hit a significant snag in the NBA approval process, according to people familiar with the situation. It is not clear at this point whether the deal will be completed. Although Meruelo signed what he called a "definitive" agreement in early August to buy a majority stake in the Hawks from current owner Atlanta Spirit Group, the deal was contingent on the approval of the NBA Board of Governors. That has not been obtained as the league, as part of an extensive approval process, seeks financial assurances that Meruelo can fund the team's ongoing operations."
NBA wants 3rd round in draft
"After an overnight flight connecting through Helsinki, Finland, I bumped into a scout for the Denver Nuggets near the tourist information booth at the quaint little airport here where the second round of EuroBasket is taking place. Whether he knows it or not, he may be here scouting future third-round draft picks. That's right: Third round. SheridanHoops.com has learned that NBA owners have proposed adding a third round to the annual draft, a proposal that the players' union has countered by offering an array of changes to the draft that would help address the owners' desire for more competitive balance."
NBA Lockout Update: Sides are closer than they're saying
"Here's the dirty little secret about the NBA lockout, despite what both sides — the owners and the players — would have you believe: They are a lot closer to a settlement than most people realize. I know this because I talk regularly with a bunch of important people who tell me important things, and I am going to explain why I believe a settlement will be reached that will not only save the season, but also enable the NBA to have an "all is forgiven" honeymoon period (similar to what the NFL just experienced following its labor settlement) in which the frenzy of free agents signings, trades, training camps and exhibition games will make everyone forget all of the doomsday talk they've been"
Next bargaining session coming early September?
"It took 46 days for the NBA and its players' union after the lockout began July 1. It didn't go all that well. Rhetoric from both sides ramped up, lawsuits started flying around and most importantly, there wasn't any movement towards the middle. Then David Stern accused the union of cancelling a meeting last week with the union responding that Billy Hunter had been told Stern wasn't going to be available for two weeks. So as you can tell, this is all going just super. But they're finally going to try again sometime in early September, according to Newsday. At this point, the union will host an executive meeting in New York at the end of August. The anticipation is the union and league"
David Stern: NBA to look at contraction
"The NBA currently has thirty teams, but the league's commissioner, David Stern, seems open to the possibility that that number of franchises could shrink in the future. Speaking on an ESPN.com podcast, Stern stated that there is some interest in contraction from both the league and players sides and that the subject will be picked up after the current Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations are completed. "[Contraction] is not a subect that we're against," Stern said. "In fact, when you talk about revenue sharing, a number of teams have said that if you have a team that is perpetually going to be a recipient, aren't you better off with the ability to buy them in? Because between the"
L.A. businessman buying majority stake in Hawks
"Los Angeles businessman Alex Meruelo has reached an agreement to buy a majority ownership stake in the Atlanta Hawks, he told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in an exclusive weekend interview. The Hawks, who will remain in Atlanta, are planning an announcement of the sale for Monday. Meruelo said he and the Hawks' current owner, the Atlanta Spirit Group, have a signed agreement, which also includes the operating rights to Philips Arena. The deal is subject to the approval of the NBA Board of Governors –- a complicated process that could take months. Meruelo, 48, is the founder and chairman of The Meruelo Group, a holding company that owns businesses ranging from pizza restaurants and"
Report: Atlanta Hawks, Philips Arena sold
"A person familiar with the deal says controlling interest in the Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena will be sold to California developer and pizza chain owner Alex Meruelo. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because no official announcement has been made. The deal, subject to the approval of the NBA, is to be announced on Monday. The Hawks ownership group, led by Michael Gearon Jr. and Bruce Levenson, also recently sold the NHL Atlanta Thrashers to a group that has moved the team to Winnipeg. The Thrashers deal, for a reported $170 million, was announced on May 31."
Meruelo set to take 'complete control' of team from ASG
"The AJC's Tim Tucker reports that L.A. businessman Alex Meruelo is set to buy a controlling stake in the Hawks and the operating rights for Philips Arena. The deal is subject to approval by the NBA Board of Governors. Meruelo is not allowed to comment on his specific plans for the Hawks or the team's personnel because he's not yet been approved as owner and also because of the lockout. But Meruelo did tell Tucker that although some members of the Atlanta Spirit ownership group would remain as minority partners, "I will be in complete control of the team.""
No offer, but potential majority buyer in talks for Hawks, Philips Arena
"Efforts by the Atlanta Spirit ownership group to sell a majority stake in the Hawks have accelerated since the group's sale of the Thrashers last month. People familiar with the process say representatives of a potential buyer are doing due diligence — examining financial records — as the process moves toward a possible offer and more detailed negotiations for the basketball team and Philips Arena operating rights. The people familiar with the situation, speaking exclusively with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, would not identify the potential bidder because of confidentiality agreements, but described the process as moving fast. They said no offer or exclusive negotiating agreement is"
Players' union VP Evans considering two European teams
"While literally dozens of NBA players have said they'll consider playing overseas should the lockout cause the cancellation of part or all of the 2011-12 NBA season, free agent small forward Maurice Evans, who is a vice president of the NBPA, may become the first players' union representative to sign a contract abroad. Evans is in talks with two international teams, Spain's Real Madrid and Turkey's Anadolu Efes, Hoopsworld reports. The union has come out in support of NBA players heading elsewhere during the lockout. Evans, as an unrestricted free agent, does not need a letter or clearance from FIBA, basketball's governing body, in order to sign a deal with an international team,"
Hawks 'wait and see' as NBA owners lock out players
"Hawks coach Larry Drew wrapped up the team's minicamp Wednesday and headed to his home in the Los Angeles area to assume the same posture as most people associated with the NBA. "Wait and see," he said. The most recent collective bargaining agreement expires at midnight Thursday, and owners have authorized a lockout of players. All league business is on hold as the two sides try to agree on a new labor deal. Drew said he and his staff still would have work to do even as the usual player signings, trades and summer leagues are on hold. "We carry on as usual," Drew said. But there really won't be much to do until the league's owners and players agree on a new collective bargaining agreement."
It only gets harder for owners, players; owners expected to push for $45 million hard cap
"The NBA's Board of Governors met Tuesday in Dallas and heard a report on collective bargaining from Spurs owner Peter Holt, chairman of its labor relations committee. The league wouldn't reveal if the board officially authorized locking out the players once the clock strikes midnight Thursday, the end of the collective bargaining agreement that's been in place since 2005, but it doesn't matter. As commissioner David Stern has warned already, such a vote is a mere formality and can be conducted by any means at any time. The first lockout authorization via text message may be mere hours away. Holt's committee will meet with the negotiating committee of the National Basketball Player's"
Hawks' search for 'blue-collar' players could include Lighty
"A recurring theme for the Hawks last season was coach Larry Drew's efforts to coax his players to get tougher. Drew said they needed to play with a "physicality" and implored them to develop a "blue-collar mentality." At one point Drew said he feared the word was out around the NBA that the Hawks would back down when pushed. The Hawks showed some resolve in the postseason, but they never were the consistently rugged defensive team that Drew envisioned. Eventually Drew realized he may not get this group of players to play that way no matter how much he talked about it. "I talk about that a lot," Drew said Tuesday. "But the truth is you have got to have guys on the team where that is already"
Hawks' GM Sund wants to re-sign Jason Collins
"Media voted Horford to the All-NBA third team at center. Jason Collins started 28 regular-season games at center and was key during Atlanta's first-round victory against Orlando. Hawks general manager Rick Sund said he hopes to re-sign Collins, who will be a free agent, but he's not sure if the Hawks would add a player expected to start full time."
Jamal Crawford, Marc Gasol and the 2011 NBA Big Name Free Agents
"With the NBA Draft over, now fans can look forward to free agency. Free agency is the time where teams add players they think will take them over the top. Some of the top free agents this summer include Nene, Samuel Dalembert, Marc Gasol and Jamal Crawford. Nene of the Denver Nuggets is a very efficient center and has been for a long time now. He brings toughness and rebounding as well as scoring. He has been in Denver since the start of his career and seems to like it there, so don't expect him to be switching teams. Samuel Dalembert isn't a highly talked about center. He doesn't score much and certainly doesn't make highlight reel plays. What he does do is defend and rebound. He spent"
Levenson: Hawks sale report 'not true'
"Hawks part-owner Bruce Levenson denied a report Thursday by Sports Illustrated that the basketball team is on the verge of being sold. "Not true," Levenson said in an email to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "We will issue a statement shortly." That statement indicated a deal is not imminent but reiterated that the Hawks' owners are at least seeking new investors. "As we have stated for an extended period of time, we engaged an investment banker to assist us in looking for investors for the Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena operating rights," the statement said. "We have spoken with a number of parties, but at this time, there is no deal in place, nor is there an exclusive negotiating"
Hawks keep Smith, draft center
"After a day of furious trade rumors that included Hawks forward Josh Smith, the NBA draft ended up being a pretty standard affair at the top. The Cavaliers, as expected, selected Duke guard Kyrie Irving with the No. 1 pick. The Timberwolves took Arizona forward Derrick Williams No. 2 after the Hawks were among several teams that reportedly tried to pry the pick away in a trade. Hawks general manager Rick Sund said Atlanta explored potential trades to move into the first round but "there was nothing that really made sense." The Hawks instead used their second-round pick, No. 48 overall, toOakland (Mich.) University center Keith Benson. Irving and Williams were considered the only potential"
Hawks try to deal Josh Smith for Wolves' No. 2 pick
"In a lust to draft center Enes Kanter, the Atlanta Hawks are trying to engage the Minnesota Timberwolves in discussions to trade Josh Smith for the No. 2 pick in Thursday's NBA draft, sources told Yahoo! Sports. So far, the Wolves haven't been forthcoming on a potential deal, but sources say Atlanta was still trying to discuss a deal in the hours leading up to the draft. The Wolves have privately committed to drafting Arizona forward Derrick Williams with the second pick, but the Hawks want to sell Minnesota on Smith as an open-court finisher to play along with rookie point guard Ricky Rubio. Hawks GM Rick Sund has been hugely interested in Kanter throughout the pre-draft process, sources"
Josh Smith says he's not eager for trade
"Josh Smith is aware of the trade speculation swirling around him. He knows much of that speculation is fueled by the belief that he desperately wants out of Atlanta. But Smith said today he's not eager to be traded, though he's bracing for the possibility. "I'm not saying I want [a trade] to happen but if it does I will just have to deal with it," he said. Smith said the Hawks haven't told him anything about a trade. But he noted that players aren't usually privy to the team's internal deliberations until a deal is going down. "Right now I'm with the Hawks," he said. "I think we have a special group. I just want to win." There's no doubt Smith is frustrated about the flak he took from"
The Josh Smith trade rumors: I'm not buying any of them - yet
"The volume on the Josh Smith trade rumors has been cranked up to 11 - "Spinal Tap" joke - and somebody needs to dial it down. I nominate … myself. It has been reported that the Hawks are gauging interest in Smith ahead of tonight's NBA draft, which only makes sense. It has also been reported that Smith wants out of Atlanta, which I'm not sure is the case, and has even submitted a list of teams he wouldn't mind joining. (The list, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, includes Boston, Houston, Orlando and New Jersey.) Smoove-related speculation has been running the highest in Orlando, where Smith's best friend (meaning Dwight Howard) plays, and Boston. Ken Berger of CBS Sports"
Magic lack pieces to make move for Josh Smith
"Of all the rumors, perhaps none carries more weight than the one linking the Magic to the Hawks, who are listening to offers for forward Josh Smith, Howard's childhood friend and former AAU teammate. The 25-year-old Atlanta forward would make Orlando more athletic, and pairing him with Howard would give the Magic the NBA's best tandem defensively at the power forward and center positions. Asked whether there's a potential trade to be made for the Hawks forward, the Magic's general manager said he would not discuss trade scenarios — real or imagined — involving specific players on other teams."
Hawks exercise contract option on Teague
"The Atlanta Hawks have exercised the contract option for the 2012-13 season on guard Jeff Teague, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Rick Sund. Per team policy, financial terms were not disclosed."
Discussion between Orlando, Atlanta involving Josh Smith "totally legit"
"A source also said discussions between Atlanta and Orlando with Josh Smith going to the Magic are "totally legit." Executives say the Hawks have expressed an eagerness to move Smith and would like to shed salary in the process."
This offseason, the Hawks look again to youth
"There was a time when the Hawks were all about the promise of youth. Eventually, draft picks such as Josh Smith and Al Horford started to reach their potential, and the Hawks added more veterans. The Hawks won more games, began to pick later and later in the draft and management and coaches turned their focus away from acquiring prospects and developing them. The Hawks still are winning, but now say they are ready to make room for youngsters again. The Hawks don't have a first-round pick in the draft Thursday, so it's doubtful they will select a player to fill a major role next season. But the prospect they select with the No. 48 pick is expected to get a spot on the roster and a chance to"
With Thrashers gone, which Atlanta team will be sold next?
"The sale and move of the Thrashers, approved Tuesday by the NHL board of governors, leaves Atlanta with three major-league sports franchises. And while none of the three are in danger of relocation, two have ownership situations that could be conservatively described as, well, fluid. Here's a look inside the owner's box of the Hawks, Braves and Falcons: The Hawks The seven-man Atlanta Spirit ownership group hasn't put a public, unambiguous "for sale" sign on the Hawks, as it did on the Thrashers in mid-February. But through its investment banker, the Spirit has had talks with prospective Hawks purchasers over the past year. Although part-owner Michael Gearon Jr. has said he wants to retain"
Al Horford for Superman: Should the Hawks make that offer?
"Dwight Howard has said he'll opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Otis Smith, Orlando's general manager, has said he won't trade Howard and believes the NBA's best center can be persuaded to re-up with the Magic. Other NBA clubs won't sit around and wait. They'll make offers for Howard. Should the Hawks make an offer? They could make a tantalizing one: Al Horford and Kirk Hinrich for Howard and power forward Ryan Anderson. That's an All-NBA center (third team) with a Florida background who's under contract through 2016 for a reasonable $12 million per season and a useful guard whose contract expires in 2012. The Magic could make something of that. Or"
Hawks assess trade interest in Smith
"The Atlanta Hawks have started to gauge trade interest on forward Josh Smith, and Smith isn't averse to ending his seven-year stay with his hometown team, league sources told Yahoo! Sports on Monday. Smith hasn't requested a trade, but has privately told league friends that the Boston Celtics, New Jersey Nets, Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic are his preferred destinations should the Hawks decide to move him. "The relationship has run its course," said a league source with knowledge of the dynamic. There's been growing acrimony between Smith and the organization, sources said, largely because of the feeling that Smith has been too convenient of a scapegoat. Smith had one of his most"
Hawks lack first-round draft pick but hope to find role player
"With no first-round pick in a draft that's considered short on depth, the Hawks face long odds of finding the next Gilbert Arenas or Carlos Boozer in this week's NBA draft. Those two players became All-Stars after they were drafted in the second round but they are the outliers in the history of the draft. It's uncommon for teams to find players in the second round who become even established starters, much less stars. There is a chance, however, that the Hawks can find a player who eventually becomes a rotation player and a relatively cheap one too. The Hawks are preparing for Thursday's draft with the idea that they can beat the percentages and select a player who can contribute with the"
Source: Monta trade talks 'pretty hot'
"The Warriors and representatives for Monta Ellis are working cooperatively to see if a trade to a contending team can be arranged, a deal that would likely happen around the NBA draft later this month, a person with knowledge of the discussions told CBSSports.com. "It's pretty hot," the person familiar with the talks said. UPDATE: The Trail Blazers, Lakers, and Hawks, are among the teams that made exploratory calls after word leaked that the Warriors and 76ers were discussing an Ellis-for-Andre Iguodala swap, league sources said Thursday. Ellis-for-Iguodala is a "50-50" proposition at the moment, a person with knowledge of those talks said. A third person with knowledge of the Warriors'"