The Hawks are squeezing in a three-day minicamp for draft pick Keith Benson plus 17 free agents who weren't under NBA contract at the end of last season. There's a real sense of something at stake for the players, too, since the this team has up to eight open roster spots next season.

“They are just showcasing their talents and trying to make a ball club,” Hawks coach Larry Drew said after the morning session on Monday. “I told them this is a great opportunity.”

The players in Atlanta's camp have six practices over three days to make an impression.

“I've been watching a lot of [video] and now that we have them in, it gives me a chance to get a good feel for them,” Drew said. “We have some good talent here. There are a lot of guys that didn't get drafted that certainly could have been drafted.”

The Hawks are close to being sold, according to two sources.

One of the sources confirmed that the sale is about to be consummated, but declined to identify the buyer.

The Hawks ownership group last month sold the Atlanta Thrashers to a group that will relocate the franchise to Winnipeg next season.

The Atlanta Hawks are attempting to acquire the second overall pick to draft Enes Kanter, according to sources, using Josh Smith in discussions.

Minnesota is reportedly biding their time about completing the discussed deal. The Wolves are under the cap and could therefore absorb the salary of Smith.

The Boston Celtics have every intention of becoming a younger, more athletic team in the near future.

But that future does not include Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith.

A league source told CSNNE.com on Monday night that the Celtics have had "no discussions whatsoever" with the Atlanta Hawks about acquiring Smith. The same source added there were no plans to open up such dialogue any time in the near future.

"You can never say never," the source said, "but there's nothing going on there."

The Hawks have begun exploring a trade involving Josh Smith, according to sources.

Smith, meanwhile, has privately told friends that the Celtics, Nets, Rockets and Magic are his preferred teams should Atlanta ultimately decide to trade him.

Smith has not requested a trade.

“The relationship has run its course,” said a league source with knowledge of the dynamic.

Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams has undergone minor surgery on his lower back to alleviate the pain from a bulging disc.

The outpatient procedure was performed Wednesday at Peachtree Orthopedic Clinics in Atlanta. The team says Williams walked out of the facility on his own and should be able to resume full basketball activities in six to eight weeks.

Williams was slowed by back problems in 2008-09. This season, he missed 11 games after landing hard on his back attempting to make a steal in December game against Golden State.