So we get Monta Ellis for Josh Smith? We better get the Bucks unprotected first too
Smith is doing more right now but Ellis has benn a 25ppg scorer. He's declined because since Steph Curry and continuing with Brandon Jennings he's played with pgs that need the ball in their hands. He's still a potent scorer. If rumors that Smith wants out/the Hawks want to be rid of Smith are true Ellis is a solid return.
But if the Hawks and Smith are happy with each other they should stay out of it.
Why doesnt Milwaukee just keep Smoove then? They have shown great interest in him, and with a good postseason run, can try to keep both Jennings/Smith around for the long run.
The Hawks should just wait until the summer and then see if Howard wants to come to Atlanta.
Josh might be willing to take a paycut if Howard is willing to come here. Howard, Smith, Horford would be the best bigs in the Eastern Conference.
Hawes, Turner and Louis Williams -it didn't work in Philadelphia; why would it work in Atlanta?
Monta Ellis is redundant with Louis Williams on the roster and at a cheaper rate.
Monta Ellis to Charlotte for Ben Gordon and a 2nd round pick makes more sense. Charlotte's pick in the second round will be real high, so near a first round pick. The Bucks could swap out that pick and their own second pick for a late first round pick (20s-30) range to another team that is looking to clear out cap space for free agency. So effectively, the Bucks would be getting another first round pick in addition to Gordon.
Pachullia / Petro
Horford / Johnson / Tolliver
Korver / Stevenson
Ellis / Morrow
Teague / Harris
Rationale: Hawks are actively shopping Smith. This move gets them a borderline all star in Ellis to team up with Horford and Teague.
Thoughts?
If Monta Ellis opts out, the Bucks will be great shape this summer to get two top level free agents. They have Dalembert, Udrih, and Dunleavy expiring, and with Ellis opting out, that's a ton of cap space.
So the Bucks could make a run at offering Josh Smith a 5 years, 80 million deal, and then still have cap space to sign someone else.
The Hawks should just wait until the summer and then see if Howard wants to come to Atlanta.
Josh might be willing to take a paycut if Howard is willing to come here. Howard, Smith, Horford would be the best bigs in the Eastern Conference.
Hawes, Turner and Louis Williams -it didn't work in Philadelphia; why would it work in Atlanta?
Monta Ellis is redundant with Louis Williams on the roster and at a cheaper rate.
Monta Ellis to Charlotte for Ben Gordon and a 2nd round pick makes more sense. Charlotte's pick in the second round will be real high, so near a first round pick. The Bucks could swap out that pick and their own second pick for a late first round pick (20s-30) range to another team that is looking to clear out cap space for free agency. So effectively, the Bucks would be getting another first round pick in addition to Gordon.
What on earth is the point of having 3 all-star bigs on the same team? Who comes off the bench? You could play all 3 but then there's no shooting and Dwight would be double teamed all game.
The big problem with Josh is the psychological issues that he brings.
He wants to be a max level player, but he hasn't mastered his low post game and he takes jumpers, and doesn't practice his jump shot enough.
He isn't good enough to carry a team by himself. He's best suited as a 3rd guy on a championship team, like a Chris Bosh-type role.
But maybe getting out of Atlanta will do him good. He grew up here and he has spent his whole career here. Sometimes guys need to go somewhere else for a change of scenery.
Celtics - Bucks - Hawks Trade Idea
