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Memphis Moves on Josh Smith

CHN
August 8th, 2008 by CHN

It's reportedly a $58 million, five-year offer. Sekou Smith of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Smith has signed the offer sheet, which the Hawks now have the option to match: The Hawks maintained that they will match any offers made to Smith, though no one saw the Grizzlies offer coming. The Grizzlies were the only NBA team with significant cap space left. It was believed the team would hold on to their cap space for the free agent class of 2009. Even if the Hawks match the offer they'll have some damage control to do with Smith. He made visits to Philadelphia and Los Angeles (Clippers) to be wined and dined this summer. Online Atlanta fans are imploring their team to match the offer immediately, and I have yet to talk to any insiders who think the Hawks will let Smith walk. But you never know. Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal first reported the offer, and writes: The Hawks have said they would match any contract offer to the 22-year-old Smith, but are on the hook next season with big contracts for Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson. Should the Griz land Smith he is expected to play power forward alongside Rudy Gay at small forward, O.J. Mayo at shooting guard and Mike Conley at point guard. This is a big piece of news in that it certainly forces things to a head for the Hawks and one of their prized young stars. Within the next few days, in all likelihood, we will know where Josh Smith will be playing. It's also a significant move because the Grizzlies were the last team left standing with any real cap room left. If the Grizzlies end up with Josh Smith, remaining restricted free agents like Andre Iguodala and Ben Gordon lose significant leverage in their bargaining with the Sixers and Bulls, respectively. If Smith ends up in Memphis, that would have to increase the likelihood that Iguodala and Gordon would sign qualifying offers to stay one more year with their current teams, only to try again next summer as unrestricted free agents.


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