We've heard Josh Smith's name surface numerous times this week in trade discussions, and Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports the Magic are interested in bringing Smith aboard to curry favor with Dwight Howard, who is friends with Smith. New Hawks GM Danny Ferry is reluctant to move Smith, Stein says, despite the fact the athletic forward has said he'd welcome a trade and is entering the final year of his contract. Here's more from around the Southeast Division as the draft draws near:
- Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld has the latest on the Dwight Howard saga, including talk of the Rockets' interest in the big man.
- If the Celtics make a run at Josh Smith, any deal would likely involve a sign-and-trade of Brandon Bass, tweets A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com.
- Chris Mannix of SI.com suggests via Twitter that the Heat may have interest in Lamar Odom, but it appears Odom is headed to the Clippers as long as Mo Williams opts in to the final year of his deal — the Mavericks reportedly have an agreement in place with the Clips and Jazz, but nothing is official yet.
- Wizards GM Ernie Grunfeld discussed the team's plans for the draft and offseason on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, and Michael Lee of the Washington Post has the details.
Luke Adams contributed to this post.
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