Re: 2012-2013 Trade Deadline (discussion)
From Bucher:
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As we enter the final days before the NBA trade deadline, the two most notable names expected to be moved are Josh Smith and Andrea Bargnani, according to league executives.
If Smith isn't moved by Thursday, said one source, "it won't be for a lack of trying." While a deal with the Spurs makes sense considering the familiarity between Hawks GM Danny Ferry and his former boss, R.C. Buford, it's hard to piece one together that addresses Atlanta's needs and bolsters the Spurs' run at another title. Stephen Jackson (expiring $10 million deal) and Kawhi Leonard (rookie contract) works under the cap and Smith would provide the athleticism San Antonio sorely needs, but he's not the on-the-ball defender that Kawhi is and can't space the floor the way Kawhi does, either.
As for Bargnani, it's simply a matter of both Andrea and the Raptors needing a fresh start without the other. The Bobcats' rumor makes sense from the standpoint that the franchise would be hard-pressed to land a talent of Bargnani's level on the free-agent market.