NBA Trade Rumors: Would A J.J Redick For Iman Shumpert Deal Benefit The Orlando Magic And New York Knicks?

NBA Trade Rumors: Would A J.J Redick For Iman Shumpert Deal Benefit The Orlando Magic And New York Knicks? by Chris Walder

Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

In my opinion, the most beautiful thing about this Thursdays 3:00 pm NBA Trade Deadline is that without a shadow of a doubt, we will have a definitive conclusion to all of these rumors surrounding Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith.

It’s becoming exhausting.

The Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets have all been linked to Smith over the last month or so.

You can now add the Philadelphia 76ers to that laundry list of teams.

According to numerous reports, the Hawks have approached Philadelphia about a possible Josh Smith for Spencer Hawes and Evan Turner trade.

Smith will become an unrestricted free-agent this summer, so any team looking to acquire him needs to be wary of him possibly leaving at the end of the season.

Through 48 games, Josh is averaging 17.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks a game.

76ers head coach Doug Collins believes ownership will stand firm and avoid making any major moves before Thursday.

“I don’t see anything for us right now,” Sixers coach Doug Collins said Monday. “If something happens for us right now, I think it would be something that would be very small.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes have both been classic underachievers for Philadelphia this season. Turner is averaging 13.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists, but he’s only shooting 42% from the field. It also takes Turner nearly 13 shots to get those 13 points.

Hawes is averaging just 10.2 points and 6.2 rebounds a game. The other two healthy centers on the roster are Kwame Brown and Lavoy Allen, which makes it all the more disheartening how it took Spencer nearly half the season to earn his starting gig.

The upside of that package is their collective salaries. Turner is signed for $6.6 million next season, before an offer is needed to retain him as a restricted free agent. Hawes is owed only $6.5 million, before becoming a free-agent in 2014.

From a talent standpoint, the Sixers would clearly be getting the better end of the deal, if it were to come into fruition of course. Josh Smith is a borderline All-Star in this league, who would give Philadelphia an impressive frontcourt threat to pair with Andrew Bynum, whenever he decides to come back from injury that is.

Evan Turner is a former second-overall pick with a world of potential, but his inconsistent play through the first three years of his young career is a huge red flag at this point.

With all of the teams fighting to secure the services of Smith, I’m sure the Hawks can come up with something far greater than what the Sixers can give them.

Chris Walder is the Editor of Sir Charles in Charge. You may follow him on Twitter at @WalderSports