This sucks because it means Ferry isn't willing to take back Bass and Lee with Sully, Melo + picks for Smith.
They probably wouldn't take that package, but I don't think Stein knows what he is talking about. Why would they want Pierce? Pierce, Sully, pick? I don't see what package with Pierce makes sense for a team like Atlanta.
Warriors and Clippers I could see, Denver mayyyybe. No other teams will give up good assets for Pierce.
As scotthow has said above, they take Pierce and an assett because it gives them immediate cap relief. So Pierce, Sully, Melo and a first.
I do feel that this deal hinges on two things that are being overlooked...
1) how greedy Ferry wants to get
2)how insistent Smith is that he goes to Boston
I also would love doing this deal as someone suggested with the wink wink notion that the Hawks dump Pierces option and he can re sign with us for cheaper next year.
Not sure how legal/possible this is and would love for someone to confirm...