Atlanta is coming off a 47-35 season in which it advanced to the second round of the playoffs. So why are the Hawks possibly contemplating a trade of forward Josh Smith?

The answer is simple: The Hawks have a few other key players whose contracts are about to expire (starters Mike Bibby and Marvin Williams, and reserves Flip Murray and Zaza Pachulia), and they feel that Smith will bring something of real value in return (they're right about that).

ESPN reported "the Hawks have been working hard the past few weeks to see whether they can find a taker for Smith," but that trading Smith won't be easy because he has a "$6 million trade kicker attached to his contract." In other words, if you trade for Smith, you're giving him a cool $6 mil right off the bat.

That tends to make just about everyone shy away -- even a few lottery teams who are said to be willing to surrender a top five pick for Smith.

Either way, stay tuned.

While the Hawks are very young, they're doubtful their current cast can ever lead them to a title. They know they need to bring in at least one more guy who can really bring it every night. And if they're serious about it, well, then it's only natural for them to at least gauge interest in a player like Smith.

Sam Amico is editor of Pro Basketball News. He can be reached at amico@probasketballnews.com.