Earlier tonight, we learned that things are heating up between the Nets and the Hawks as Brooklyn eyes forward Josh Smith. The Nets may not have all the assets to get a deal done, however, and it may behoove them to get a third team involved in the trade talks. Brooklyn would reportedly part ways with Kris Humphries and MarShon Brooks to bring the high-flyer further up the east coast, but it's going to take more than that to make the Hawks release him from their talons. The Hawks almost certainly would like to trade Smith rather than lose him for nothing this summer, but they can find plenty of suitors around the league. Here's more on the Nets and the rest of the Atlantic..
- Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov must really not care about luxury tax penalties if he is willing to take on another max deal in Smith on top of an already expensive roster, tweets Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. Prokhorov has made it clear that winning is his top priority and with the highest net worth of any owner in the league, he has the resources to make that a reality.
- In a deal slightly less glamorous than the rumored Smith swap, the Nets' D-League affiliate (Springfield Armor) sent power forward James Mays to the Celtics' affiliate (Maine Red Claws) for swingman Kris Joseph, a source tells Tim Bontemps of the New York Post. Both players were in camp with the respective NBA clubs and Joseph was said to impress over the summer.
- John Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer warns Sixers fans not to hold their breath on an Evan Turner trade. Turner is allegedly on the block as Philly considers a shakeup.
