Report: Hawks Express Interest in Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Had ‘Exploratory’ Trade Talks With Celtics

A rumor surfaced on Friday that the Celtics were trying to land Atlanta's Josh Smith, and that Danny Ainge was willing to move Kevin Garnett in a deal.

While it's hard to imagine such a trade coming to fruition, Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the two teams did at least have discussions.

The Hawks reportedly expressed interest in Garnett and Ray Allen, which led to some dialogue between the two teams. However, Wojnarowski reports that the talks were purely "exploratory."

The Hawks reportedly don't want to move Smith for an expiring deal, and Garnett and Allen are both slated to become free agents after this season. And, as Wojnarowski points out, the C's aren't looking to deal either of those players for the likes of Marvin Williams.

Smith would be an intriguing option for the Celtics, should the Hawks look to move the 26-year-old. The 6-foot-9 forward is averaging 16.3 points and 9.8 rebounds in 35.5 minutes per game this season, and is signed through next season at $13.2 million.