Atlanta #Hawks will have over $30 million in cap space this summer Josh Smith can demand 20m

HOOPSWORLD ‏@HOOPSWORLD

NBA Sunday: Josh Smith Addresses Trade Rumors: The future of Josh Smith in Atlanta is a hot topic as we approach... http://bit.ly/12h9LIy 

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• The Hawks will have over $30 million in cap space this summer, with only $26 million in salary on the books for next season. Smith can demand a five-year deal in the $94 million range from the Hawks once he becomes a free agent. Smith has recently stated he believes he is worth the full maximum.

  
  
  Ferry’s success in creating financial flexibility for the team moving forward, Smith’s desire to be fully compensated for his talents and both sides remaining silent on the future has driven the daily trade talk to reach these levels, to which Smith readily admits has been a frustrating part of the process.
  
  
  “It’s a little frustrating because I guess people need to have something to talk about,” Smith said. “Whatever sparks the interest of the media and the public eye. It doesn’t bother me because I really don’t read the media, newspapers or nothing like that. I just focus on what I can do to be beneficial on the court.”
  
  
  The potential of losing Smith in free agency for nothing in return has led to the Hawks entertaining teams around the league in an effort to gauge Smith’s market value. But let’s be clear. The NBA is a business and businesses routinely take inventory of their current assets. The Hawks aren’t actively shopping Smith at the moment but are following the proper due diligence in the event its time for both parties to part ways – whether it be over the next two weeks or this summer.
  
  
  Smith is arguably the most talented player in the league without an All-Star appearance hanging on his mantle. The nine year veteran needs just 179 points to become the 24^th player in league history to reach 10,000 points, 5,000 rebounds, 2,000 assists and 1,000 blocked shots. Elite company. There are five active players who have reached this threshold; Elton Brand, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Pau Gasol and Tim Duncan. All of those guys were All-Stars and at some point all of those guys were given MAX dollars during their free agency years.  Will Smith add his name to these lists, as an Atlanta Hawk?
  
  
  
  
  Read more at http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-sunday-josh-smith-addresses-trade-rumors/#peTapFwoUHBUXxKM.99