Atlanta Hawks: Angling for Dwight Howard
ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reports the Hawks engaged the Magic in trade talks about center Dwight Howard earlier this month.
The Hawks did put together a deal for Howard back when the Magic had him on the market. My understanding is they did so without a commitment from Howard that he would either exercise his contract opt-in for next season or sign a long-term deal. The proposed deal eventually fell apart on Orlando’s end.
I’m not certain which players the Hawks offered but it’s unlikely Josh Smith was one of them. The Hawks would try to entice Howard to sign with the team long-term for the chance to play at home with his good friend.
That leaves either Al Horford or Joe Johnson as the centerpiece in a proposed trade for Howard. Horford has the most appeal for Orlando because of his talent, age and his popularity among the region’s fans from his days at the University of Florida.
The Magic have told teams that they are no longer actively trying to trade Howard while they try to convince him to re-sign. If they decide again to part with Howard, I think the Hawks are likely to re-engage them in trade talks. If, as Stein reports, the Magic are seeking “multiple established veterans who can keep the team competitive” then the Hawks are well-positioned to make a competitive offer and still maintain a good core of players around Howard.
It would be a risky move for the Hawks since it’s possible Howard they could get Howard as a short-term rental in exchange for an All-Star player on a long-term contract. Howard has identified the Nets, Mavericks and Lakers as his preferred trade destinations.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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227 comments Add your comment
Phuch Le` Duch
December 28th, 2011
12:58 pm
pronounced – foosh le duke
michael cunningham
kobe, ray allen, manu ginobli, eric gordon, james harden, andre iguadola.
SteveW
December 28th, 2011
12:59 pm
My only concern is, if Dwight can’t win a championship with a very good Backcourt in Jameer, Richardson, Reddick, Duhon, and Quentin, and a Frontcourt of Big Baby, Anderson, Hedo, and himself, why would we trade a ton of our talent to bring him in. The ATL roster after the trade may have less talent than Dwight currently has in Orlando.
I mean Teague and JJ are good. But is Jameer and J Richardson that much worse?
If as MC says that he doubts JJ was part of the talks – and you know he wants to play with Josh (I say I know – I’m assuming. He may love him as a friend, hate him as a BB player) the trade would have to be something like:
Al, ZaZa, Marvin, and Teague. I guess that’s the only way Orlando even looks at this.
And if Arenas isn’t signed, I assume we sign Arenas to be the PG.
Now a big 3 of JJ, Dwight, and Josh wouldn’t be bad. But we’d need to sign somebody as the backup C.
I know Dwight is a “generational” player. He would anchor the Hawks for the next 10 years probably. But i def. wouldn’t do it unless I was sure Dwight and Josh were to re-sign here.
Guess I’m thinking as I’m typing, but I guess you give up what’s needed to get a Dwight.
I just don’t see if Dwight couldn’t win with what he had last year, and isn’t expected to win this season, and he’s had a pretty good supporting cast, well we can not win championships without Dwight just as well as with him.
Wabe
December 28th, 2011
1:00 pm
Actually surprised to hear this…
Even though it didn’t get anywhere, I have much more respect for an organization that’s genuinely trying to make this a championship caliber team. I think this being in discussions about a bold move such as this one at least signals that Sund is trying…
I do like the way he’s filled out the roster. I’m just curious what kind of package the Hawks were offering.
Wabe
December 28th, 2011
1:02 pm
However, with that said, I’d be completely opposed to this if this was a rental deal.
No use in parting ways with assets for a rental period.
I’m pretty sure Teague + Horford + draft picks would’ve been on the table.
I’d be willing to do that if we had reassurance that dude would extend. If not, don’t even bother.
SteveW
December 28th, 2011
1:05 pm
You definitely give up more to get Dwight than you would to get CP3 however.
I love the idea of getting Dwight, don’t get me wrong. But he did get bothered by Jason Collins of all people.
I’m just not sure this move gets us closer to a championship right now. Maybe it does. Depends on who we trade to get him.
I could see he and JJ and Josh on the court together – that would be a strong lineup right there. And if we had to get Hedo, Duhon, that would just make us that much stronger I guess.
A lineup of:
Duhon/Hinrich
JJ/Green
Hedo/TMac
Josh/Vlad Rad
Dwight/Collins
Yea, you could probably win a championship with that roster. It would scare the life out of the Heat, I know that.
Hawks4Eva
December 28th, 2011
1:09 pm
With regards to this Hawks team:
If the current starting Hawks players – ALL FIVE OF THEM truly believe that they can be true contenders, we can do some damage in the playoffs. Stop being intimidated by the likes of Miami and Chicago. You guys (Hawks) are grown azzzz men also and professional players.
The other key point is, if Larry Drew stick to his guns and have them playing the same style of offense and defense we saw last night regardless of the caliber of opponent, we should be fine. And screw that 2-fouls in the first half and you sit out the half foolishness you did that cost of a playoff game last year.
And lastly, if he (Drew) can instill some sense of confidence in this veteran bench that they are not just in the game just to “give the starters a rest” but to ACT LIKE STARTERS and play EXTREMELY hard and aggressive when they are in the game because its not like they (the bench players) will have to play a lot of minutes in their brief appearance anyway.
We should be fine.
SteveW
December 28th, 2011
1:09 pm
Having Dwight as your anchor for the next 10 years is a good set up for any team. Al/ZaZa/Marvin/Teague for Dwight/Hedo/Duhon – Yea, I guess I do that all day long.
And Orlando then has Al/ZaZa at C, Anderson/Big Baby at PF, Marvin at SF, same at SG with Jason Richardson, and Teague and Jameer at PG, and a ton of wing depth.
That’s not a team to sneeze at in Orlando if that type trade was to go down. Good backcourt and a solid frontcourt for them, with depth. Hmmm…
SteveW
December 28th, 2011
1:12 pm
Oh well, I just wasted a whole lot of my life typing about something out of my control, and for something probably not going to happen – Go Hawks! Beat the Wiz tonite!
And don’t let Jordan Crawford do well, or Singleton for that matter. I don’t want to think about the trade…
Mike
December 28th, 2011
1:12 pm
Most ppl need to realize that he can do what CPIII did and do the player option, so he is going to be there for this year and next to see if he wants to stay or not.
But it gives the Hawks two years to signed him into a long-term oontact and set-up a plan if he and Smith walks.
BoneKollector
December 28th, 2011
1:16 pm
Why do this???
Just so Howard can leave for another team. Don’t tell me u guys are this dumb to want to rent howard
Wabe
December 28th, 2011
1:17 pm
http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/shaun_powell/12/27/hawks/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1
Tremaine
December 28th, 2011
1:17 pm
SteveW
I guess we have to wait until after next week until you change your mind.
Tremaine
December 28th, 2011
1:18 pm
BoneKollector
December 28th, 2011
1:16 pm
Why do this???
Just so Howard can leave for another team. Don’t tell me u guys are this dumb to want to rent howard
Of course we don’t do this unless he sign some type of extension.
vava74
December 28th, 2011
1:25 pm
Stop losing time with things that will not happen.
Dwight is tired (already!) of trying to win a championship in a franchise that has no weight.
He wants to move where he knows he will be lined up to be a champ just by historical destiny and where he has a huge market and the possibility of working in the movie industry (the Lakers), to a place where he knows he will be in a huge market with an owner with deep deep deep pockets (Brooklyn Nyets) or to the current champs (who also have an owner with deep deep deep pockets and still a very good team).
Sol
December 28th, 2011
1:31 pm
Zaza, Josh and 2 sirst round pick for D12 or JJ and Josh and a first rounder for D12 and Turglu. Just give what ever as long as D12 is singinig an extention.
Mike
December 28th, 2011
1:35 pm
@vava74
Okay, let play
Lakers: If you give up Byumm and Gasol, outside of Kobe, who else can take over if he or Horward isnt on. In fact, their frontline would be very thin and against teams like Spurs, Thunder, and others. They would be eating up for lunch and God forbids if Howards gets into foul trouble.
Nets: After last night, even if they did get him, do you think that Devon and Howard can get into the playoffs with a performed like that.
Even moving to Brooklyn, do you think that their fortunes will change like that?
Mavs: Who can they give up for D12?!?!? Odom, Heyward and who else. They are very old and shows right now. They have no draft picks and everybody knows
vava74, you right we need to stop losing time with this but atleast we are trying to get better so you dont come on here and complain about this team as usual.
doc
December 28th, 2011
1:35 pm
ok best case scenari dwight jj and change for al marvin and hinrich. would do it without hinrich and change if possible and salaries fit but dont know jj reddick that is contract. that is what i dont like about these tpe of blogs where fantasy takes over.
Astro Joe
December 28th, 2011
1:36 pm
Yeah, I think the only news here is that the Hawks did their due diligence and made an offer to acquire Dwight. But ultimately, Orlando rejected the offers of ALL teams (not just the Hawks) and have have decided for the moment to keep D12.
Meanwhile, I personally don’t care what JC2 or Singleton do in this game tonight. They are fish in a lousy pond. They should get plenty of playing time for a lottery-bound club.
kwooden
December 28th, 2011
1:39 pm
Good article on Donald Sloan – http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2011/12/chasin-the-dream-picking-a-camp/
Astro Joe
December 28th, 2011
1:42 pm
I wonder if the Hawks are shaking in their Nikes?
espn ESPN
“A new big 3 has announced its arrival — Wall, Crawford and Blatche.”- Wizards Owner Ted Leonsis #QuotesoftheYear ->
Prison Mike
December 28th, 2011
1:48 pm
I think the artist formerly known as Duck is a wild card. If he can average 15 and 8 until the deadline, it creates yet another piece to the puzzle.
Horford, Marvin, unprotected 2013 pick is pretty decent for an uncertain future with Dwight. As the article states, Atlanta has players that have value.
Tremaine
December 28th, 2011
1:48 pm
kwooden
December 28th, 2011
1:39 pm
Good article on Donald Sloan – http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2011/12/chasin-the-dream-picking-a-camp/
Yawn…………
Ken Strickland
December 28th, 2011
1:49 pm
Barkley is just talking trash. After all, he was born and raised on the outskirts of small town WHO GIVES A SH!T, AL Dwight would have to deal with that issue no matter where he ended up.
honest_abe
December 28th, 2011
1:52 pm
“A new big 3 has announced its arrival — Wall, Crawford and Blatche.”- Wizards Owner Ted Leonsis #QuotesoftheYear ->
thats pretty pathetic compared to the hawks new big 3 of tmac, slick willie and bombs over radmo. i even managed to come up with 3 awful nicknames.
slow day at work.
Buddy Grizzard
December 28th, 2011
1:55 pm
Bender, Conner and LD all had decent suits and ties to open the season and no longer looked like beaten up insurance salesmen!!! – Vava
Lol THIS is a positive development!!
KevinM
December 28th, 2011
1:56 pm
No one is listening to any Hawks proposal unless 2 of the Hawks all stars are included. You’re talking about the dominant big man in the league.
Al, Joe, and Teague might get it done with fillers on both sides. It will take a CP3 blockbuster to get Otis Smith’s attention. No way you can include Marvin in a deal and call it a value add for the Magic.
Yes, we would have to do a 3 for 1 starter deal to get Dwight. I have no doubt in that and don’t overvalue our guys. Marvin can’t be given away, even after a breakout opener against NJ.
No one is doing a Marvin for a 2nd rounder in this league.
Would I do 3 for 1? You bet I would in this case.
kwooden
December 28th, 2011
2:02 pm
Tremaine any press is good press for the HAWKS!
Astro Joe
December 28th, 2011
2:02 pm
Kevin, the Hawks only have 2 All-Stars.
And if Marvin is pulling down 8 boards (something that probably no SF does in the league), then what are Horford and Josh doing? Earning the admiration of opposing coaches and passionate fans?
Tremaine
December 28th, 2011
2:04 pm
Dwight Howard will really be a Shaq wannabe if he goes to the Lakers.
honest_abe
December 28th, 2011
2:05 pm
since we’re on the topic of fantasy deals. how about a 3 way with LA, ORL & ATL?
orl gets al horfod, bynum and marvin.
la gets dwight howard, hedo and hinrich
atl gets gasol, ron artest and earl clark
honest_abe
December 28th, 2011
2:07 pm
metta world peace – my bad.
Rufus1
December 28th, 2011
2:08 pm
@honest_abe
That trade might work…..
Astro Joe
December 28th, 2011
2:08 pm
Tremaine and he’ll likely be wearing a ring.
Howard is the ultimate role player but he is NOT winning a championship as his team’s finisher. In a late, close game situation, you can;t have him touch the ball because he shoots 55% from the free throw line which is how he will be defended. So gutting a team for someone who can’t lead comeback, can’t be the go-to-guy and can’t lead makes no sense to me. It makes the product more entertaining but no closer to getting out of the 2nd round (again, if you have to gut the team).
Tremaine
December 28th, 2011
2:15 pm
Astro Joe
Are you talking about Joe Johnson or Dwight Howard?
Tremaine
December 28th, 2011
2:17 pm
FOR THE RECORD, WHO IS NOT FOR TRADING TO GET DWIGHT HOWARD?
Mike
December 28th, 2011
2:18 pm
@honest_abe
I dont know about that Metta World Peace on this team, I will cry myself to sleep right now. But for real, this wont work, besides I dont think that ASG will go into LT land with person like Pau Gasol, maybe 5-6 years ago but right now, nope nope and nope.
KZ
December 28th, 2011
2:20 pm
“A new big 3 has announced its arrival — Wall, Crawford and Blatche”
My feet are shaking.
KevinM
December 28th, 2011
2:22 pm
“Astro Joe
December 28th, 2011
2:02 pm
Kevin, the Hawks only have 2 All-Stars.”
Haha, I am aware of that and it will take both to get him. I threw Teague in there because they will not accept a Marvin over a up and coming PG.
Can we find a PG easier than the top center in the league? I say yes, but I find it hard to believe that Gearon or Sund have the ability to bring in elite talent. It will have to come through the draft.
Gordon, Kaman (previous all-star), Aminu and Minny’s #1 for CP3…..what do we have to offer that is of similar value without the 2 all stars?
EmirS.
December 28th, 2011
2:23 pm
“We have a center and PG that miami doesnt have.” -Nathan
They also have a combo guard, a “three” guard, and a PF that we don’t.
EmirS.
December 28th, 2011
2:31 pm
“Dwight is the 2nd best player in the NBA.
It’ll take Joe/Josh + Al + 3rd player + pick for Dwight + big contract” -KZ
Basketball is a team game. Ask Kobe.
EmirS.
December 28th, 2011
2:34 pm
“This isnt Hedo from 5 years ago.” -lowcountry bulldawg
Actually I’ve seen both of Magic’s games this season. He looks a bit like Hedo from 2009. But it’s early in the season to tell for sure. But showing alot of promise.
Tremaine
December 28th, 2011
2:40 pm
From probasketballtalk
The Magic will not get equal value in trading Howard away. You never do when you trade a superstar. But to demand veterans so you can be competitive means the Magic are likely headed for mediocrity — the dangerous NBA middle ground. Teams that are good enough to make the playoffs but not be contenders; teams that are not bad enough to go up in the draft and get a superstar that way. They get stuck in that middle with no easy way out.
Lol, does this place called mediocrity sound familiar guys?
Mike
December 28th, 2011
2:41 pm
EmirS.
The only way we give that up, if the ASG is completely high that night. There is no way that Hawks is going to give up that much unless he resigned then everybody is on the table except for Teague and Smith.
Wabe
December 28th, 2011
2:44 pm
The Bulls could probably offer one of the best packages for Dwight…
I’m sure they’d be willing to part ways with their bigs. They’re loaded with bigs.
Noah, Gibson, Asik.
Pick 2 and take 2 first rounders.
Possibly throw in another peice if necessary.
They’d definitely offer a better package than anything the Lakers or Nets would put together.
I think the Hawks could probably peice together something better than what the Lakers and Nets can put together.
Trojan
December 28th, 2011
2:53 pm
It’s more fun to talk about the possibility that we could be 2-0 after tonight. Hopefully our deep team can impress.
Rufus1
December 28th, 2011
2:53 pm
Sekou Was on 790thezone….They asked about the Hawks game
He sounded like a man who has been living as BUM for last year, but just remembered he has 1mil in the BANK.
He also remembered, we were only 1 of 3 team to get to the 2nd round for 3 straight years.
He also remembered, why Vlad was the 12th pick in the draft and why he was once making 7mil a year.
_____________________________________________________________________
The Super Subs
T-Mac was an A-Level Player, if he gets back to 75% of what he was, he is a B-level player….++++ He won’t be afraid of the PLAYOFFS.
T-Mac, Vlad, Pargo, Kirk, and Zaza as team could win 10 games in the NBA,…What will that mean to the Hawks.
Go Hawks.
Mike
December 28th, 2011
2:53 pm
Now Bulls does have alot of good pieces but here is the thing, most of those pieces is off from the bench except for Noah and we all know that Horford is better than Noah. Since they have 1st round from Bobcats but that is a condition pick. Hawks package is alittle bit better because you are going to get atleast All-NBA or All-Star type player, good cap relief, and maybe alittle bit lower draft choice but ASG would probably sell that pick anyway.
So it is a push between Bulls and Hawks.
ryan
December 28th, 2011
2:53 pm
Why would Orlando want Bynum he gets hurt a lot at least Horford stays healthy .
KevinM
December 28th, 2011
3:00 pm
Our offer will have to trump all other offers.
Plain and simple, we are the underdog in any trade discussions.
We are the Clippers of the East until proven otherwise.
keepinitreal
December 28th, 2011
3:01 pm
It’s at least encouraging that the Hawks are looking at Dwight. Even if it’s a longshot that we get him, the Hawks being in the discussion to land a legit superstar gives us something we haven’t had in a very long time: hope.
I’d do whatever it takes to get him. You have to have superstars in the NBA or you have no chance. If you have Dwight, you have a chance. You just have to put the right pieces around him.