Atlanta Hawks Won’t Offer Josh Smith a Contract Extension This Season

The relationship between the Atlanta Hawks and Josh Smith has been quite positive of late, and according to GM Danny Ferry, the team will look to re-sign the forward once he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer. Per the AJC: “Josh Smith is entering the final year of his current contract with the Hawks but it is ‘unlikely’ that he will be re-signed before the end of the upcoming season. The forward is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Don’t panic yet Hawks fans. Under the rules of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, it could be advantageous for Smith, and to some degree the Hawks, to wait on a new contract. In simplest terms, if Smith re-signs with the Hawks before June 30, the extension can be for only a maximum of three years. If he waits until after his contract expires, he can re-sign for up to five years. According to Hawks general manager Danny Ferry, Smith and his agents have said he would like to remain in Atlanta. ‘I’ve been clear that I value Josh as a player,’ Ferry said. ‘He has worked hard this summer and I believe he is going to have great season. I’ve been in contact with his representatives. Josh and his representatives have been clear that he is excited about the direction of the team and wants to be part of the future in Atlanta. That being said, I don’t expect the contract situation to be resolved until next summer.'”