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The Atlanta Hawks are interested in keeping forward Josh Smith in an Atlanta uniform for the foreseeable future according to general manager Danny Ferry. However, it looks like they will have to wait until after the season to get Smith to commit.
This might seem like bad news for the Hawks but it is completely expected. The longest deal that Smith could sign now would be for three years. If he waits until the end of the season when he is an unrestricted free agent then he can agree to a five-year deal. What little he gives up in security could be worth a substantial amount of money at the end of the season.
Smith figures to be one of the top free agents to hit the market in 2013. He had reportedly wanted out of Atlanta for the last two seasons but has backed off that demand since Danny Ferry took over as general manager.
Smith is coming off of a career season in which he averaged 18.8 points and 9.6 rebounds.