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Griz sign Hawks' Smith to offer sheet
By Ronald Tillery (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Originally published 08:51 a.m., August 8, 2008
Updated 08:51 a.m., August 8, 2008
The Memphis Grizzlies have sent a contract offer worth $58 million to Atlanta Hawks restricted free agent Josh Smith today, according to multiple NBA sources.
As the only team left with significant room under the salary cap, the Griz have shifted out of a summer holding pattern and targeted the versatile 6-9, 235-pound forward.
Atlanta has seven days to match, per league rules, once Smith receives the offer sheet.
Smith's numbers have increased in each of his four NBA seasons since Atlanta made him a first-round pick out of high school in 2004. He averaged 17.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks last season, helping the Hawks make the playoffs.
The Hawks have said they would match any contract offer to the 22-year-old Smith, but are on the hook next season with big contracts for Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson.
Should the Griz land Smith he is expected to play power forward alongside Rudy Gay at small forward, O.J. Mayo at shooting guard and Mike Conley at point guard.
In another development, the Griz have identified Iranian center Hamed Ehadadi as a person of interest and hope to sign the 7-2, 23-year-old next week. Ehadadi last played for Saba Battery of the Iran Super League. He'll also play for the Iran national team in the Olympics.
Ehadadi recently collected 19 points and 16 rebounds in summer league action at Utah. He amassed 20 points and nine rebounds against Argentina and 20 points, 20 rebounds and six blocks against Serbia in Olympic tune-ups.
Quelle:commercialappeal, hoopshype