ATLANTA (AP) — Josh Smith is starting against the Miami Heat in what could be his final game with the Atlanta Hawks if any of the trade deadline talks involving the star forward become reality.
Hawks coach Larry Drew said before Wednesday night’s game Smith “has been a total professional.” Drew says Smith has shown no sign that talks linking him to the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and other teams have affected his game. The trade deadline is Thursday.
Smith, the 6-foot-9 forward, becomes an unrestricted free agent after the season. He leads the Hawks with 17.4 points per game.
Guard Jannero Pargo has not been re-signed after being with the team for two 10-day contracts. Drew says he hopes the team adds a guard if it makes no other trade-deadline move.
