The Atlanta Hawks are right in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, thanks in large part to the play of forward Josh Smith. However, the talented forward doesn't seem to be too enamored with playing for the franchise. Smith has told the Hawks that he would like to be traded before the NBA Trade Deadline on March 15, according to Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
NBA Trade Rumors 2012: Josh Smith Asks Hawks To Trade Him By Deadline, According To Report
The reasons for Smith’s reported trade request are numerous. In the past, Smith has reportedly felt singled out by coaches and media members for his mistakes. Now, Cunningham reports that Smith is not happy that the Hawks didn’t promote him to be an All-Star and doesn’t believe the franchise is fully committed to winning.
Cunningham reports that the Hawks have not yet begun actively shopping Smith, though they do take plenty of calls. Smith is averaging 17.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game this year, helping the Hawks to a 23-16 record despite a season-ending injury to Al Horford and nagging injuries to Joe Johnson.
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