There’s been some lingering tension between the Atlanta Hawks and Josh Smith over the past few months, the franchise wants to keep the talented forward – he’s been rumored to be on the trading block – but, that being said, GM Danny Ferry says the Hawks will not offer Smith a new contract until next summer. Smith becomes an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the season.
From AJC.com :
Under the rules of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, it could be advantageous for Smith, and to some degree the Hawks, to wait on a new contract. In simplest terms, if Smith re-signs with the Hawks before June 30, the extension can be for only a maximum of three years. If he waits until after his contract expires, he can re-sign for up to five years.
According to Hawks general manager Danny Ferry, Smith and his agents have said he would like to remain in Atlanta.
“I’ve been clear that I value Josh as a player,” Ferry told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “He has worked hard this summer and I believe he is going to have great season. I’ve been in contact with his representatives. Josh and his representatives have been clear that he is excited about the direction of the team and wants to be part of the future in Atlanta. That being said, I don’t expect the contract situation to be resolved until next summer.”
