Son of Superfriends?

[E.H. Munro]

For the last year or so Josh Smith had been trying to force his way out of Atlanta, and we in Boston were happy about it because one of his old high school teammates is the starting PG here. If there were any (available) player that could help put Boston in the first tier it'd be Smith with his defense. However, as of today Smith's done a 180 and is publicly stating that he's going to stay in Atlanta.

Smith said for economic reasons he is not considering signing a contract extension by the June 30 deadline and will become a free agent this summer. But the forward said he has a “good understanding’’ with Hawks general manager Danny Ferry about his future, and he discussed a likelihood of remaining with Atlanta. ...

Smith, who only could add three more years onto his deal with an extension but could re-sign for as many as five years next summer with Atlanta, said he is on the same page with Ferry about his future.

“We already have an understanding on what’s going on, especially between me and the GM,’’ Smith said of his dealings with Ferry, in his first season with the Hawks. “I’m not going to tell you (what it specifically entails). It’s an understanding that we have.’’

You can read the whole piece here, but it's the bolded sections that interest me.

Now, it's been obvious that the Hawks were clearcutting their cap to create the space for two max players, while Superman and CP3 have been open about their desire to form their own superteam. I'm fairly certain that Dwight's BFF would be able to tell the Hawks that there was zero chance if that were the case, but he seems to be saying the exact opposite. Reinforced by his stated desire now to stay and play in Atnalta.

So how much fun is that Southeast Division going to be next season if this really does happen? I would almost wish for a rebalanced schedule so that the Heat & Hawks would play six times a year rather than four as those games would be wars.

[Bogg]

Given that Horford makes "only" $12mil/year and that Smith is going to get something less than the max, would Atlanta be able bring on both Paul and Howard in free agency while keeping those two? Serious question, I hate calculating cap holds and the holds for empty roster spots.

EDIT: Hell, going in another direction with it, what would stop Boston and Atlanta from building a trade centered around Rondo and Atlanta's pick or one or two supporting guys being swapped for Horford and Louis Williams?

[Wade County]

Can't see Dwight or CP3 leaving Lakers and Clippers respectively in order to get to Atlanta, but who knows, stranger things have happened.

[E.H. Munro]

Originally Posted by Bogg

Given that Horford makes "only" $12mil/year and that Smith is going to get something less than the max, would Atlanta be able bring on both Paul and Howard in free agency while keeping those two? Serious question, I hate calculating cap holds and the holds for empty roster spots.

No, Horford will have to go to make room for the two max deals. I'm hoping that the Clippers get nervous as the deadline approaches and Boston can talk both teams into a three way where Bopston ends up with Horford & Bledsoe with Rondo/whatever heading out to make it happen.

[E.H. Munro]

Originally Posted by Wade County

Can't see Dwight or CP3 leaving Lakers and Clippers respectively in order to get to Atlanta, but who knows, stranger things have happened.

If there were zero chance the Hawks would know.

[Bogg]

Originally Posted by E.H. Munro

No, Horford will have to go to make room for the two max deals. I'm hoping that the Clippers get nervous as the deadline approaches and Boston can talk both teams into a three way where Bopston ends up with Horford & Bledsoe with Rondo/whatever heading out to make it happen.

RE: my edit above, seems like we had similar thoughts about Atlanta and Boston

[Marcus13]

A lot can change. Knowing Dwight's dramatic personality - he may be overly fluttered by the Lakers early season struggles. If they end up in the NBA Finals, everything changes.

Plus, who knows how things have changed for Josh in Atlanta so far this season. New GM, "Star" player gone...maybe he's just legitimitely more happy where he is than he was last season.

[Bogg]

Originally Posted by Marcus13

New GM, "Star" player gone...maybe he's just legitimitely more happy where he is than he was last season.

He'd be happier with his best friend from high school and Atlanta's other home-grown star as his running mates.

[Marcus13]

Originally Posted by Bogg

He'd be happier with his best friend from high school and Atlanta's other home-grown star as his running mates.

I may be missing something, but I don't understand...Rondo went to high school in Louisville...?

[Adam]

I doubt Howard would leave money on the table. He doesn't seem the type.