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03:41 PM ET 10.09 | One of the hottest topics in Hawks Land this offseason (short of the Joe Johnson trade madness) is the contract situation of the new "face" of the franchise in Josh Smith. Smith is locked up only for this year at $13.2 million before becoming a free agent at season's end. If Josh signed an extension today, it would be for a maximum of three years. If he waits and becomes a free agent, he could sign a five-year deal with the Hawks or a four-year deal with another team. If you believe that Josh is a "max" player, Smith has zero incentive to lock himself up this season for only three years, and if you don't believe that (as the Hawks may not), why would they offer him such a deal, even for three years?

Josh Smith, Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

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October 10, 2012 09:34 AM ET

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Dont worry Josh cause Joe Dumars will have cap space again this summer and best believe he is going to do something moronic with it. Damn Joe why you have to be a legend in my eyes. I want you gone but I dont want it to be messy.

Detroitsportsisthebe…

Detroit , MI

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October 10, 2012 10:08 AM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 09:34 AM ET 10.10 by Detroitsportsisthebest

Dont worry Josh cause Joe Dumars will have cap space again this summer and best believe he is going to do something moronic with it. Damn Joe why you have to be a legend in my eyes. I want you gone but I dont want it to be messy.

Adding Smith to the Pistons with you young bigs they have would be HUGE!!! especially if the play Smith at the SF slot...

Swauny Jones

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October 10, 2012 10:15 AM ET

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Come To LA, Bro.

I Love LA

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October 10, 2012 10:16 AM ET

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Atlanta is in "rebuild" mode, so not anxious to sign anyone to a max deal. Ferry did a good job of moving JJ and others. Seems like re-signing Smith for more (not necessarily the max) would be a step backward.

Red Mamba

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October 10, 2012 10:42 AM ET

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QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 10:08 AM ET 10.10 by Swauny Jones

Adding Smith to the Pistons with you young bigs they have would be HUGE!!! especially if the play Smith at the SF slot...

I agree but not for Max money thats my gripe

Detroitsportsisthebe…

Detroit , MI

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October 10, 2012 11:03 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 10:38 PM ET 10.09 by AL BUNDY

no offense hear but im not convinced he's above average

I would say that he is..while not a great offensive player, he can score and his defense is top tier at his position. The problem in ATL is the scheme they ran and he was alongside too many players of similar size & skill. If he played somewhere they actually cared about hoops and got tv exposure, more ppl would see it. Dude can ball..

DR_Universal

Charlotte , NC

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October 10, 2012 11:47 AM ET

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QUOTE(#17):

Originally posted 11:03 AM ET 10.10 by DR_Universal

I would say that he is..while not a great offensive player, he can score and his defense is top tier at his position. The problem in ATL is the scheme they ran and he was alongside too many players of similar size & skill. If he played somewhere they actually cared about hoops and got tv exposure, more ppl would see it. Dude can ball..

I have to agree. This kid needs a change of scenery to bring out the best in him. I've only seen him live a few times, but last time in Denver he had great D, decent handle, monster rebounds and hit a couple of 3's. That night he was the 2nd best player on the court (next to Ty Lawson).