posted on their site that Atlanta Hawks Josh Smith has signed a five-year, $58 million offer sheet with the Memphis Grizzlies. Smith averaged 17.2 points and 8.2 rebounds in the 07-08 NBA season and helped the Hawks clinch a spot in the playoffs.
Josh Smith dunks against the Miami Heats
This information was reported on Friday by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Nothing is official yet until the Hawks match the offer of the Grizzlies within seven days. There had been rumors of interest from Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers. Atlanta responded that they would match any offer for the restricted free agent. After the 76ers signed Elton Brand and the Clippers traded for Camby, Josh Smith was no longer in the picture. Now Michael Gearon Jr, Hawks co-owner, has stated that he will try to keep Smith in Atlanta.
Josh Smith in Game 3 of the NBA playoffs
I think this is a great move by the Grizzlies. After making a foolish trade causing them to lose Pau Gasol, they need to make that up for a great player. Josh Smith is that great player. Smith and the Hawks gave the Celtics, the eventual champions of the season, a great run by forcing all seven games. The Hawks had the worst regular-season record in the playoffs, and they played against the best regular-season record-holders [Celtics]. By forcing all seven games, many people were shocked. It would have been the biggest upset since the Mavs and the Warriors. Unfortunately, they could not defeat Boston on their home court.
I’m not sure if I want to see Smith go to Memphis. I’m sure Mike Miller will be extremely happy if they acquire the dexterous power forward. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Atlanta matched the offer by the Grizzlies due to losing Josh Childress to Europe. Whatever may happen to Josh Smith, I wish him the best and hope to see him excel next season.
NBA Regular Season Statistics
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74 | 59 | 27.7 | .455 | .174 | .688 | 6.2 | 1.7 | .8 | 2.0 | 9.7 | ||
| Atlanta | 80 | 73 | 32.0 | .425 | .309 | .719 | 6.6 | 2.4 | .8 | 2.6 | 11.3 | |
| Atlanta | 72 | 72 | 36.8 | .439 | .250 | .693 | 8.6 | 3.3 | 1.4 | 2.9 | 16.4 | |
| Atlanta | 81 | 81 | 35.5 | .457 | .253 | .710 | 8.2 | 3.4 | 1.5 | 2.8 | 17.2 | |
| Career | 307 | 285 | 33.0 | .445 | .263 | .703 | 7.4 | 2.7 | 1.1 | 2.5 | 13.6 |
