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Josh Smith probably isn't going to be an Atlanta Hawk by 3 p.m. today. But which team he winds up with still remains a mystery. With the NBA trade deadline just hours away, it appears some front runners have emerged, however. The Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns are the two teams working hardest to land the talented power forward.
Milwaukee, Phoenix emerging as frontrunners for Josh Smith deal, league sources tell Y! Sports. Boston still a "darkhorse," one source says.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 21, 2013
There is no questioning Smith's talent but there is some doubt about his effectiveness going forward. Especially considering he is a pending free agent and looking for a $90 million deal.
The Bucks are also apparently hot on the heels of fellow free-agent to be J.J. Redick. Just like the Pistons. But it appears that Milwaukee's interest in Redick is dependent on successfully trading for Smith.
Bucks "keep upping the ante" in pursuit of J.J. Redick, source says. Could mean confidence growing that they will land Josh Smith.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) February 21, 2013
Remember, Bucks' pursuit of Redick based on scenario where Monta Ellis is sent to Atlanta as part of proposed Smith deal.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) February 21, 2013
Something tells me Pistons aren't going to win that fight.