NBA Free Agent Rumors: Hawks, Rockets discussing Josh Smith sign and trade, according to report

Now that Dwight Howard to Houston is looking more likely, WSB's Zach Klein reports that the Rockets have turned their attention to free agent forward Josh Smith and will pursue sign and trade discussions with the Atlanta Hawks.

NBA league source tells me Rockets have been informed Dwight Howard told them he's headed to Houston. Rockets now working on getting J.Smith

— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) July 5, 2013

Any deal between the Hawks and the Rockets is expected to bring Houston center Omer Asik to the Hawks. The idea has been out there since free agency opened and Houston reportedly inquired after their meeting with Howard.

Asik would be a great pick up for the Hawks and would allow Al Horford to be subsequently moved to the power forward position. Asik averaged a career-best 10.1 points for the Rockets in 2013 and grabbed 11.7 boards per game.

Asik is signed for two more seasons at just over $8.3 million. Per Larry Coon's CBA FAQ, the Rockets can take back $5 million more in a sign and trade deal involving Smith. Houston could have to include additional players in a potential deal depending on the size of Smith's contract.