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The Milwaukee Bucks are “seriously engaged” in trade talks with the Atlanta Hawks to land small forward Josh Smith. The Bucks could successfully acquire Smith without giving up shooting guard Monta Ellis as part of the deal.
Milwaukee desperately wants to acquire Smith while also keeping Ellis and point guard Brandon Jennings together. The team feels that by adding Smith to a starting lineup that includes Jennings, Ellis, Ersan Ilyasova and Larry Sanders, the Bucks have a legitimate shot at doing some damage in the Eastern Conference down the stretch.
The organization understands that there is a slim chance they will be able to retain Smith or Ellis at the end of the year. Smith will most likely receive a huge contract in free agency this summer, and even if Milwaukee matched the deal, the 27-year old would probably want to try his luck with a legitimate contender. Meanwhile, Ellis reportedly stated that he will not sign his $11 million option with the team, and will instead test out free agency for the first time in his career.
A trade that the Bucks could make to acquire Smith is send backup center Samuel Dalembert and defensive specialist Luc Richard Mbah a Moute to the Hawks. Mbah a Moute was rumored to be heading to the Orlando Magic along with a first-round pick for shooting guard J.J. Redick, but if the Bucks do not have to give up Ellis, there is simply no room for the 28-year old as of right now.
Not to mention, Milwaukee would want to sign Redick to a long-term contract, but his recent request for $10 million per season is something the organization is not going to give in to.
Make sure to keep checking back with Rant Sports for more NBA trade news as Smith is on the verge of being traded to the Bucks.
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