Clearing The Way <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Clearing The Way: The 76ers are on the verge of a cap clearing move with the Minnesota Timberwolves, word is they will be trading Calvin Booth and Rodney Carney to the Wolves in exchange for their $5 million trade exception, giving the 76ers enough room to get silly with Josh Smith who will get an offer sheet from the 76ers as soon as the cap numbers and this deal are finalized. Once this deal is complete the Sixers could offer Josh Smith a full "Max" offer, almost insuring Atlanta passes on Smith. There is a remote chance the 76ers could get after Elton Brand as well, especially if Atlanta quickly makes a decision on matching Josh. The 76ers are in a tough spot because once they re-sign Andre Iguodala all of their cap space goes away, so it really has to be now for the 76ers if they want a key free agent. The Hawks do have the right to match any Josh Smith offer regardless of the cap, but if the Hawks - which are still embroiled in an ownership dispute with Steve Belkin - decide to match the deal, they will set in motion a series of future contract issues they cannot afford. The Hawks are refusing to comment on speculation and will have seven days to make a decision on whether to match any offers given to both Josh Smith and Josh Childress. Do not under estimate the Steve Belkin part of this equation, as he has been deliberately difficult on a lot of fronts trying to force a settlement with his former partners. The 76ers are certainly being bold in their pursuit of Josh Smith, it remains to be seen how effective that will be.</div> Looks like they will go after Smith and have a good chance at him knowing the Hawks ownership.
Why in the hell would the Wolves make that deal? Booth is useless and they don't need Carney. The Sixers must be sending some significant draft picks
