The NBA trade rumor mill is still on high-speed alert and this is despite a lockout that has teams not talking to each other, but generated on fan and media speculation.
The LA Lakers and Atlanta Hawks ended last season on a negative note and Pau Gasol and Josh Smith both seem to have worn out their welcome with their respective teams. Gasol was too soft in the playoffs last season and fans of the Lakers have voiced their displeasure and a move is likely when a new contract is in place. Smith has been an enigma with the Hawks, he plays like an All-Star one night and like a rookie the next.
The latest rumor has the teams swapping players and the Lakers also receiving veteran point guard Kirk Hinrich in the deal. Smith would come to a team with several veterans and the hope is that will be the kick in the shorts he needs. Hinrich will give the Lakers a defensive minded guard that will immediately go into their rotation in the back-court. Atlanta would get Gasol who could play at forward with the Hawks and would team with Al Horford to make one of the better front-court duo's in the entire NBA.
These two players have been speculated for trades since the season ended. This would be a trade that could benefit both teams and give two very good players a clean slate in a new city. Look for the front office of these and every NBA team to look for trades or free agent signings to make their teams better for the upcoming season.
recommend
Facebook
Twitter
bookmark 
print
