Hawks Re-Sign Smith to 5 Year Contract

Josh Smith, forward for the Atlanta Hawks, will be staying with the Hawks after the Hawks decided to match the 5 year, $58 million contract offered by the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies offered the contract to Smith on Friday and the Hawks were quick to match it. Smith demanded a bigger pay after playing an important role in the Hawks' first playoff appearance since 1999. The Hawks, who in years past have not spent a lot, said publicly that they'll do whatever they need to do to retain Smith. The Hawks, this offseason, already lost valuable sixth man Josh Childress to a Greek team after he was not happy with the offer he received from the Hawks. Smith has said that he would not even re-sign with the Hawks if head coach Mike Woodson was still around. After the Hawks' first round loss to the Boston Celtics, the Hawks gave Woodson a two-year extension. Smith and Woodson have never been on the same page a lot of the time they've been together in Atlanta. Smith, however, was more concerned with the money. The Hawks have signed Maurice Evans to fill the void left by Childress. They now have taken care of business by acquiring one of their biggest piece. Will the Hawks make it back to the playoffs next season? Will Smith live up to his contract?