Atlanta Hawks interested in Monta Ellis in a potential Josh Smith trade

The Milwaukee Bucks have the assets to make a major trade. The Bucks have a lot of assets -- Monta Ellis, Brandon Jennings, Ersan Ilyasova and a ridiculous number of expiring contracts -- to get a deal done. One of those assets, Ellis, has piqued the curiosity of the Atlanta Hawks, who are more and more likely to move star forward Josh Smith. 

ESPN's Marc Stein reported that Atlanta's "interest believed to start w/Monta Ellis, since Monta could play next to Jeff Teague." Now, would the Bucks do the deal without a guarantee of keeping J-Smoove past the next 31 regular season games? Would Smith want to stick in a small market? Those answers aren't clear.

A Smith trade is looking increasingly plausible, and the Hawks have plenty of options. Milwaukee's talented roster might just get the Bucks a superstar. Just imagine a frontline with Smith and Larry Sanders. They would block every shot. And if somehow the Bucks can keep Jennings, that's a sweet core. That said, Yahoo's Marc Spears reported that the Bucks don't expect to deal Ellis or Jennings.  

On Bucks/Josh Smith talk: Hawks' interest believed to start w/Monta Ellis, since Monta could play next to Jeff Teague, whom Hawks still like
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 19, 2013

Photo: Keith Allison.