Report: Josh Smith won’t sign an extension, Hawks can thank the new CBA

From the New York Daily News:

Josh Smith has told the Hawks that he isnt going to sign an extension during the season. Hed rather wait to become a free agent, when he can get a five-year deal. An extension would limit him to a three-year deal, according to the new CBA rules. New GM Danny Ferry has upwards of 10 players who could be free agents at seasons end

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This is pretty much the inherent flaw in the new CBA. The conceptual design was to enable teams to retain their players. But instead, it’s created an environment where there’s no incentive for veteran stars to sign extensions which are limited by at least one year over what they can get in free agency, and two over what they can get by re-signing once their contracts expire.

This doesn’t mean he won’t return to the Hawks, but it definitely leaves the door open to a departure, especially when you consider that Smith has been pushing for a trade for multiple seasons. There’s been no indication from Ferry whether he considers Smith to be the focus of the Hawks’ future or whether he’d rather move him for a rebuilding package.

So, like usual, the Hawks’ situation remains in flux.