Poll time: What would you think of Smith-for-Bynum deal?
Andrew Bynum has some baggage but he would give Hawks a legitimate center. (AP photo)
The other day I wrote that it might be time for the Hawks to part ways with Josh Smith– not just because he’s the most likely trade candidate in their core, but because it’s becoming clear that he’s getting tired of being blamed for everything when something goes wrong.
The Smith-bashers in town favored the column. The Smith fans hated it, some taking it as another media assault on Smith. Fact is, as I wrote, I agree with Smith that he takes more blame for the team’s shortcoming than he deserves.
Loading ...But that column sparked immediate trade rumors, including this one: Smith and Kirk Hinrich to Los Angeles Lakers for Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest. Barring other moves, that would leave the Hawks with a starting five of Bynum (center), Ron Artest (small forward), Al Horford (power forward), Joe Johnson (shooting guard) and Jeff Teague (point guard).
That trade is nowhere close to reality right now — it was concocted by media members for the sake of discussion, and because it seems plausible. The Lakers could be looking to move Bynum after his postseason meltdown, and they also may pursue a deal for Orlando’s Dwight Howard, which would make Bynum expendable. (One outlet, Hoopsworld, also is speculating whether the Clippers will pursue Smith.)
Bynum obviously has had his issues. But he would give the Hawks their first legitimate center in years and allow Horford to move to his more natural position of power forward. If the way Teague played against Chicago in the playoffs was not an aberration, suddenly the Hawks could be set at point guard and center, and when is the last time we could say that?
So I’m not saying this trade is going to happen. But since there seems to be so much interest in this topic, I figured I’d turn it over to you. What would you think about a Smith-Hinrich for Bynum-Artest deal? We’ll also put up a poll and see how the voting goes.
By Jeff Schultz
♦
Earlier: Cowardly Bettman ignoring evidence of Thrashers fans
Earlier: Countdown: Bettman, Spirit on Facebook, angry beaver, Monta’s tattoo
Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC; friend me at Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
435 comments Add your comment
Mr. Riley
May 25th, 2011
11:58 am
Bad move…bynum is hardly ever healthy plus he brings nothing in the form of tangibles, outside of being a big body in the paint…
Mash
May 25th, 2011
11:58 am
Look, the main attribute the Hawks lack as a team is rebounding – particularly offensive rebounding. Any trade of Josh Smith needs to bring back tough offensive rebounder and all-around cohesive player.
We not trade Josh Smith for anything short of Kevin Love.
You may think, well why would Minnesota do that? They need a dynamic, exciting player. David Kahn needs the team to get better now or he will probably be out of a job soon. Love wants to win, he’ll be a restricted free agent. There’s no way he’s going to re-sign with Minnesota. The T-wolves will be desperate to move Love to get some assets back rather than risk him walking next year and getting nothing back. It’s kind of like the Carmelo-Nuggets situation, albeit on a much smaller scale.
Who could the T-wolves get back that could better suit their immediate needs than Josh Smith, plus represent a somewhat even value for Love. Frankly, Rick Sund should be selling Smith by pointing to a guy like Zach Randolph. “Look what kind of dominant force he turned into once we found the right team fit, the same can happen for J Smoove, he just needs the right fit”.
I don’t know if the T-wolves would be a good fit for Josh or not. What I do know is that if we are going to trade Smith at all, there’s no one I’d rather the Hawks get back than Kevin Love. It just makes too much sense. Trading away a great asset for a Bynum and Artest would be a completely foolish idea.
Terry
May 25th, 2011
11:59 am
Offer Orlando Josh and Joe for Dwight Howard… He might like to come home and we’d have the bucks to pay him. 1-Teague, 2-Hinrich, 5-Howard, 4-Horford and 3-Marvin or whoever else we can find.
thewestlaker
May 25th, 2011
11:59 am
everyone saying just trade for howard why would he do that he would just come here if he wanted cause his contract will be up in 012 But I want to see Howard go to the thunder lmao sorry hawks fans
Najeh Davenpoop
May 25th, 2011
12:00 pm
This is one of the few Smoove-for-a-center trades that would definitely make the Hawks better, provided that Bynum can stay healthy (which he hasn’t been able to do up to this point in his career).
Of course, Joe-for-Bynum or Al-for-Bynum would also make the Hawks better if Bynum can stay healthy. I still disagree with the premise that a) Joe’s contract can’t be traded, b) Al is so good that the Hawks can’t trade him, and especially c) the solution to the media heaping too much blame on Smoove is for the media to concoct unsubstantiated trade rumors about Smoove.
Get Real Hawks Fans
May 25th, 2011
12:00 pm
What do you guys think of DeAndre Jordan from the Clippers. Very long and Athletic. Could we go after him perhaps?
Slow News Day
May 25th, 2011
12:02 pm
The only fact in the article was that this trade was not in the works but something made up by journalists. So we are debating something made up because the writer doesn’t want to take the time to find us some real news. Awesome
Chris
May 25th, 2011
12:02 pm
You’d have to be borderline stupid to decline this trade … with that said, the Lakers would never offer it.
mountain_jim
May 25th, 2011
12:02 pm
Another no vote. I would like a legit center but Bynum can’t stay healthy.
Get Real Hawks Fans
May 25th, 2011
12:03 pm
By the way there is a video on youtube with him dunking on our beloved Al
Mr. Riley
May 25th, 2011
12:03 pm
I wish we could push for D. Howard and CP3 and call it a day..
DinasaurFenton
May 25th, 2011
12:04 pm
CJ: I agree with you. Bynum’s cheap shot on Barea was bush league according to broadcaster mike terico and it was something that could have injured and paralyzed Barea for life. If I were Barea, I would NOT HAVE ACCEPTED BYNUMS APOLOGY. The apology was not sincere and it was done to save face. I think that ALL THREE laker dirty players, Bynum, Odum and Artest should be kicked out of the league and BANNED FROM THE NBA FOR LIFE. That is what I think of Bynum and his apology, Artest and Odom.
Jimmy Jam
May 25th, 2011
12:07 pm
The Lakers would have to be stoned out of their mind to take any player from the Hawks team. Are you CRAZY??? No one in a Hawks uniform is qualified to wear a Lakers uniform, you are a DAN fool to think LA would trade Bynum for any Hawk, ever.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 25th, 2011
12:08 pm
“Not a chance @captainamerica. Arenas is CRAP and nobody will take on JJ’s Koncak….I mean contract”
If the Hawks make the trade captainamerica suggested — Joe and Al for Dwight and Arenas — Arenas would be acquired not for his dwindling abilities but because agreeing to take on his contract would be the tax the Hawks would have to pay to trade two good but not great players for a superstar (as opposed to having to give up multiple first round picks for example). If they do that, they would roll with a core of Teague-Smoove-Dwight, and hope the new CBA has a provision for buying out players (which it almost certainly will). That’s not a bad gamble in my opinion (of course it’s not my money being sunk into Agent Zero).
PureEvil
May 25th, 2011
12:09 pm
Joe Johnson for (sign and trade) Dwight Howard. That’s the blockbuster trade that makes our team better.
I can hear the Majic GM laughing from here.
John
May 25th, 2011
12:10 pm
It makes me laugh to see some people asking for a trade for Dwight Howard…no way would he come here and play…lol
DinasaurFenton
May 25th, 2011
12:10 pm
Gilbert Arenas is WASHED UP. Did you see him in the Orlando/Atlanta series. Gilbert stunk and in the one game where he was torching Atlanta, Stan Van Gundy rewarded him for a great half by making him sit on the bench for the rest of the game. Good for us because it helped us beat Orlando, but that is what Van Gundy and everyone else thinks of Arenas Pathetic game. Agent Zero now has a game that is worth well, Agent Zero–NOTHING.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 25th, 2011
12:12 pm
“What I do know is that if we are going to trade Smith at all, there’s no one I’d rather the Hawks get back than Kevin Love”
I guess you enjoy watching opponents drive down the lane against the Hawks and dunk with no resistance. A Love-Horford front court would be a defensive disaster. Love needs to be playing next to a defensive presence at center, someone like Bynum or Dwight, not a center who wants to play power forward and can’t/won’t play help defense.
Air Zaza
May 25th, 2011
12:12 pm
I doubt LA will do this and it doesn’t make us that much better. Just slightly better. Still need a #1 option on offense.
bigeasy830
May 25th, 2011
12:12 pm
Terrible move for Bynum, he stays hurt and is a nut case as shown in the last play-off game. Whyt let the Lakers make room for Dwight Howard, the Hawks should be the team making a move for him. Bring D Howard back home. trade Smith or Horford and hope they will take Mavin and bring him back home.
tom
May 25th, 2011
12:13 pm
who cares? Hawks are never I say never going to be in the NBA finals. There I said it.
MJC
May 25th, 2011
12:13 pm
Dear AJC:
Why are my comments no longer appearing on the site? My previous comments have had no profanity or offensive language in them at all, yet they are not appearing. Why is this?
John
May 25th, 2011
12:14 pm
Bynum is never healthy and Josh is never hurt. Plus, when he plays Bynum plays further from his potential than Josh does. Therefore, no.
Atlanta-made 1951
May 25th, 2011
12:14 pm
Such a deal would work better for the Lakers than the Hawks.
We would get their bad karma guys.
This won’t fly.
bigeasy830
May 25th, 2011
12:14 pm
maybe send Marvin to Portland for Gregg Oden if they are crazy enough to fall for it. At least Marvin stays healthy. If we make a move for an injury prone big man, lets not give up too much for him. Oden trade would be better.
heat check
May 25th, 2011
12:14 pm
No. Take it easy on the “trade Josh” articles. Doesn’t the entire team take ill-advised shots? That’s a coaching problem.
I’m guessing LD was out sick the day that Woody figured out how to limit Josh’s 3PTs. DASG just needs to cough it up for a decent/established HC.
And besides, who’s gonna guard the paint? Bynum’s shot blocking ability is severely limited by the suit he always seems to be wearing.
bink
May 25th, 2011
12:15 pm
how bout smith and hinrich for howard and move horford to the 4 spot and let johnson or crawford play the 3
bish
May 25th, 2011
12:15 pm
Pay for Dwight Howard. Trade smith for pieces to the puzzle.
MJC
May 25th, 2011
12:16 pm
I’ll try this again:
Y’all may hate Josh, but trading him for Bynum would be ridiculously stupid. Despite all of Josh’s faults, he doesn’t have a reputation as a dirty player (see Bynum’s hits on Gerald Wallace, Michael Beasley, and JJ Barea) and Josh has average 76 games played over his career. Add that to the fact that Josh wants to play here (I’d assume Bynum would view a move from LA to ATL negatively), and you could see why this would be the wrong move.
All of that goes without mentioning Artest, who regress severely this season.
bigeasy830
May 25th, 2011
12:18 pm
@bish,
If we want Dwight for next season it will take a trade, If we want him the season after when he is a free agent it will still take a sign and trade. Dwight will want the MAX contract he can get and he deserves it.
Atlanta-made 1951
May 25th, 2011
12:21 pm
If the Hawks obtained Dwight Howard, I would drop my Tech basketball season tickets for the Hawks.
To replace our college ties, the pros have to offer something better.
Atlanta’s teams seldom have.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
May 25th, 2011
12:22 pm
No way! Bynum has ongoing health issues seemingly every year. This is his first offseason not needing some type of precedure. Also Bynum delayed surgery last offseason, thus delaying his season this year. Josh is way to talented to make this move for guy whose knee could go at anytime, and for the pri madonna in Artest.
Tech Tard
May 25th, 2011
12:23 pm
why not bring D. Howard home?????????????????????????????????? Get rid of JSmooves ghetto butt.
Hawks ownership
Who is the more qualified to earn $20 million per year, Joe Johnson or Dwight Howard? Idiots.
Atlanta-made 1951
May 25th, 2011
12:23 pm
Howard is the only upgrade that can get us to the promised land.
Everything else is just a minor upgrade at best and 2nd round exit again.
scott
May 25th, 2011
12:23 pm
J Smoove is the best player on our team you fools… end this debate right now
Najeh Davenpoop
May 25th, 2011
12:23 pm
MJC: the AJC blog for some strange reason filters the word “suolucidir” read backwards. I see you have a similar word at the beginning of your post.
scott
May 25th, 2011
12:24 pm
we need to somehow unload marvin and go out and sign NENE .. free agent to be.
teague
JJ
smith
horford
nene
hawkville
May 25th, 2011
12:24 pm
More concerned with Al developing a low post game rather than banging for 10 second and going nowhere. Once Al developed and perfect his low post game, Joe and Jamal (if he’s here) hit some shots (especially in the playoffs) they will be fine. There’s nothing wrong with the team, maybe coach sucks but to start trading would be a bad move.
dirtyo11
May 25th, 2011
12:25 pm
This would be a great trade for both teams. Maybe we could shop Artest and Williams for Gay, Granger, Scola or Caron Butler.
C – Bynum
PF – Hordford
SF – Gay/Granger/Scola/Butler
SG – Johnson
PG – Teague
That’s a team that compete with any team any night.
swatguy
May 25th, 2011
12:26 pm
Josh is not the one that shrinks, Al does. Josh is not the one intimidated, Al is. Josh is the one that brings full energy and heart to the court, Al don’t. Since Al has been annointed all-star and all-NBA (third team albeit), Trade Al for all booty (Bynum and S.Brown) with Marvin.
Josh should NOT BE TRADED.
Buddy Grizzard
May 25th, 2011
12:27 pm
Artest would be the worst acquisition since JR Rider. Bynum would make this trade lopsided one way or another, depending on his health. Too risky. Everybody needs to calm down and wait till the trade deadline when Marvin Williams will have played himself into trade bait taking the shots Jamal Crawford will have vacated.
Honestly, I doubt the Lakers would ever consider this deal. More likely scenario in my mind is that no legitimate offers for Josh arrive and he walks as an unrestricted free agent after the 2012-13 season.
joey1
May 25th, 2011
12:32 pm
trading josh would be plain stupid…. we lose almost our whole defense… we need to trade marvin williams and horford 2nd round pick for andrew bogut,john salmons …then sign thad..young(formet gt player) for the small forward posititon..and sign a few hard nosed defenders and shooter to come off the bench…
imagaine.. teague,johnson, young, smith,bogut
bench – kirk,sign player,wilkins,sign player,zaza
ignition
May 25th, 2011
12:32 pm
HELL NO…
Anyone with half a brain should say HELL NO too…
Bynum (a) can’t stay healthy (b) is WAAAYYY more inconsistent than Josh
Artest is a bum…
Why trade Josh for their TRASH ….!!!!!!
lala land
May 25th, 2011
12:33 pm
I live in l.a. Bynum doesn’t have “it”
Rod from College Park
May 25th, 2011
12:33 pm
“Bynum obviously has had his issues. But he would give the Hawks their first legitimate center in years and allow Horford to move to his more natural position of power forward”
Al is an All Star Center, not a power forward. Did anyone watch the end of the season, and the playoffs? Al will not be an All star power forward in the east. He has no back to the basket game, no post moves, mechanical, plays poor post defense. He is a jump shooter. He can hit those jump shots when centers are trying to come out to guard him, but when power forwards who are just as quick as him and can step out to guard him check him, his offensive game is nullified. With all of his so called faults, Josh is a better PF than Al, and he did not turn into Charmin in the playoffs.
Reid Adair
May 25th, 2011
12:36 pm
No, no, NO!!!!!!!!
For as much as I don’t like Josh Smith’s jump shots at times, he is much better for the Hawks that the overpaid, underachieving Joe Johnson.
LouBerdette
May 25th, 2011
12:41 pm
Al Horford will become a much more powerful center than Dwight Howard. Dwight is good but all he does is DUNK the basketball and SWING HIS ELBOWS into players ribs. Howard thinks he is a tough guy but he will get beat up someday by either Bynum, Artest or Odom.
LEA
May 25th, 2011
12:43 pm
Dwight Howard is not coming to the hawks if Josh Smith is not here. which is the only reason he would even think about trading for us in the first place. Think folks..
ntrigue
May 25th, 2011
12:43 pm
I would try to give up Joe before giving up Josh. I would trade Joe and Hinrich for Artest and Bynum. Josh has to stay if he goes are defense goes straight into the toliet even with Artest. Josh does so much for our defense that doesn’t show up in stats that a lot of yall are not aware of.
Smarty
May 25th, 2011
12:44 pm
Josh Smith sucks! NO WAY the Lakers will trade for this guy. The always ‘potential’ tag is getting real old these days in the NBA. I am a guy with a 2 inch vertical but I still even at 46 have a better outside shot than Josh Smith. Nothing but ‘Net’ is my monkier…