Hawks' Josh Smith Asks for Trade

Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith has asked the team for a trade before the March 15 deadline, Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting.

Smith is reportedly unhappy that the Hawks didn't push his All-Star candidacy strongly enough (which seems sort of petty) and that the team isn't fully committed to building a championship contender (which seems fairly accurate).

Assuming he really is available, a Smith trade could have a significant impact on the Dwight Howard sweepstakes. Smith and Howard are close friends who grew up together in Atlanta. That said, Smith doesn't have a ton of leverage to force a deal, as he's not set to hit free agency until the summer of 2013.

• Atlanta Hawks: Josh Smith still wants to be traded.
• NBA Trade Rumors

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Sale of Hawks Could Hit a Financing Snag

Yesterday, California businessman Alex Meruelo was introduced as the new owner of the Atlanta Hawks, though the sale is pending the approval of the NBA's board of governors.

Today, Forbes Magazine's sports business guru Mike Ozanian raised a concern that may scuttle the deal.

According to Ozanian's report, 40 percent of the purchase is being financed by the Hawks' current owners, Atlanta Spirit LLC. That sort of arrangement isn't unheard of, but is rare. One troubling example of a seller-financed deal: Frank McCourt's purchase of the Los Angeles Dodgers. That, by itself, should raise enough red flags to hold a parade.

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