Le Basketbawl

Friday the “Memphis Commercial Appeal” reported that Hawks restricted free agent forward Josh Smith has signed a five year offer sheet with the Memphis Grizzlies. The deal is reported to be worth $58 million. Atlanta now has seven days to match the offer, or to arrange for a sign and trade. Smith has played four seasons in the Association. He has averaged 13.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists. per game in his NBA career. The Hawks who made the NBA playoffs this past season for the first time in eons, and took eventual NBA champions the Boston Celtics to a seven game series in the first round, may find themselves back in the lottery after the upcoming season. Atlanta has already lost reserve forward Josh Childress to the Euro-Leagues as he signed a deal with Olympiakos of Greece.