Report: Nets pursuing trade for Josh Smith

The Brooklyn Nets are "aggressively pursuing" Hawks forward Josh Smith, according to ESPN.

Citing league sources, the report states that the Nets consider trading for Smith a higher priority than trading for Bobcats guard Ben Gordon, who earlier reports have linked to a potential trade involving Nets big man Kris Humphries.

Smith, who will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, is averaging 16.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 assists for Atlanta in 2012-13 while trade rumours swirl around him.

The Hawks reportedly covet a young centre in exchange for Smith, who is not expected to re-sign with the Hawks.

Brooklyn and Atlanta currently sit fifth and sixth in the Eastern Conference, respectively, separated by just one game in the standings.