Brooklyn Nets trade rumors: Transfer deadline makes Josh Smith a priority

With NBA trade deadline nearing, the teams are shooting every ounce of strategy in acquiring their targets. Brooklyn Nets have taken an aggressive approach to land Atlanta Hawks star forward, Josh Smith before the trade window closes. Many sources indicate that there have been many talks between the teams, but they have not reached any result.

The Nets are also in talks with Charlotte Bobcats for a swap between Kris Humphries and Ben Gordon, though sources suggest that Smith is at the top of the priority list of the Nets. If the Nets manage to land Smith then the Gordon deal will not be a possible as Humphries is also in discussion with the Atlanta Hawks.

The Nets are willing to give up Humphries and second-year shooting guard MarShon Brooks for the Smith trade. Smith will become a free agent this summer and it will be in the benefit of the Hawks if they decide to sell him before the deadline. Sources hint that there is a 60 percent chance of the Hawks deciding to move him.

Another reason of the Hawks trading Smith might be the creation of a place for Dwight Howard, who has been struggling at the LA Lakers. Dallas and Houston are also in the race for signing the center by offering him a max-salary contract.

Tags: Basketball Be the first to read the follow-up on this story by subscribing to our free direct email feed.