Josh Smith to the Spurs? (Getty Images)

As the trade deadline nears, the buzz and speculation around Josh Smith grows.

He's already said he sees himself as a max player, but the Hawks aren't sure if they feel the same way. And with his contract expiring this summer, that places the two sides at a crossroads.

He's just 27 years old, and while he can sometimes frustrate you with his insistence on shooting jumpers, he's one of the most versatile, gifted players in the league. Which means if he's available, teams are going to come calling.

One potentially being the San Antonio Spurs, according to Yahoo Sports:

The Spurs are among the teams with interest in Hawks forward Josh Smith, a source told Yahoo! Sports. Keep in mind, Hawks general manager Danny Ferry was previously with the Spurs.

While they're obviously zombies that will never die, the Spurs can see the writing on the wall. At some point, they are going to have to begin a rebuild. And while Smith doesn't necessarily fit the Spurs model -- wants big money, can sometimes be a headache -- he does possess the kind of tools San Antonio needs in the West to compete with teams like the Clippers and Thunder.

Of course, the Spurs could just be interested in a half-season rental of Smith to make a push. That option is sound as well, because it allows the Spurs to take a chance on him for the rest of this season and playoffs, without having to assume any of the long-term risk.

Here's a catch, though: The Hawks are reportedly unlikely to trade Smith strictly for financial concerns. Which means the Spurs would need to return something to Atlanta of value. Something like Kawhi Leonard or Tiago Splitter. The Spurs don't have a lot of great trade pieces, but with the Hawks facing a trade-him-or-watch-him-walk situation, there's potential for San Antonio to get him at a bargain.

Certainly a situation worth keeping a close eye on as the deadline closes in.

Via SB Nation