Josh Smith trade rumors dispelled
DENVER -- The Atlanta Hawks have no plans to deal Josh Smith before Thursday's deadline, according to their co-owner.
"The likelihood of us trading Josh at the trade deadline is as close to zero as you can get," Bruce Levenson told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
"There were a bunch of guys in the All-Star Game that I wouldn't trade for Josh, given what he brings not only to our team but to the community. He's from Atlanta. He's made terrific contributions to the community. It's really hard, particularly in the middle of the season, to find that caliber player for Josh."
Numerous reports have stated Smith wants out of Atlanta. But Levenson said those rumors are unfounded and that Smith has told him they aren't coming from the player.
"I don't know where the rumors are coming from and neither does Josh," Levenson said. "Josh said to me, 'They're not coming from me, Bruce. They're not coming from my agent.'"
Levenson said the Hawks have been contacted by other teams and wouldn't definitely rule out any deal before Thursday's 3 p.m. EDT deadline.
