Report: Celtics Eyeing Trade For Hawks Forward Josh Smith

by Luke Hughes on Thu, Jun 28, 2012 at 8:56PM

Josh Smith could find himself back in Boston sooner than he thought.

Smith, who was rumored in talks with the Celtics near the 2012 NBA Trade Deadline, is once again seen as an option for the C's this offseason, according to A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com.

Rumors were flying around Celtics camp before Thursday night's draft, and one such rumor had the C's in active talks with the Hawks about acquiring Smith. In return the likely package would include a first-round draft pick, Brandon Bass and likely one other piece.

Any deal involving Bass would need to involve a sign-and-trade with the talented forward, though.

Smith could be an excellent supplement on the interior for Kevin Garnett, if the 36-year-old forward does decide to return to the Celtics for another season. Smith is a versatile forward with skills inside as both a shot blocker and rebounder, but also with a decent jump shot and range from about 18 feet out.

In the 2011-12 season, Smith averaged 18.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. Over his eight-year NBA career, Smith has averaged 15.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.2 blocks.

#CelticsTalk: #NBA source says any deal involving #Hawks Josh Smith would most likely include sign-and-trade w/Brandon Bass.

— A. Sherrod Blakely (@SherrodbCSN) June 28, 2012