Atlanta Hawks: What about Dwight?
Almost immediately after Hawks GM Danny Ferry took what were most definitely not half measures the speculation turned to whether it’s all just a prelude to a trade for Dwight Howard.
All of the usual dots have been connected: Howard wants out of Orlando, Howard is from Atlanta, and he’s boys with Josh Smith. But the one blank I have yet to see filled in is a desire by Howard to play for his hometown franchise over the long term.
In fact, the only thing I’ve ever heard is the opposite. Howard used to regularly attend Dream games at Phillips Arena during summers. Witnesses tell me that Howard would tell anyone who would listen that Philips is supposed to be his house but “they don’t know how to act.” And by “they” he of course means the team’s owners and management.
And then there were Howard’s comments during the 2011 playoffs, when he said he hates losing, “especially to the Hawks.” Asked to elaborate, Howard, annoyed by the question, snapped: “Come on. You know the answer to that.”
The answer is that Howard, like his pal Smith, doesn’t view the Hawks as a serious franchise. Or at least he didn’t back then. Obviously Danny Ferry is trying to change the perception of the Hawks, so maybe Howard (and/or Smith) changes his mind.
There’s been no word that’s happened so far, though. Howard still wants a trade to the Nets, who now are in no hurry to move him.
The Magic and Hawks had trade discussions over the past week involving Howard and I’m sure they are ongoing. But I don’t think Ferry is willing to trade Al Horford and the four years remaining on his reasonable contract for one year of Howard and all the associated drama.
The Hawks had serious trade discussions with Orlando for Howard back in December, the early days of the Dwightmare. Atlanta apparently was willing to make the deal without an assurance that Howard would even opt-in for next season. Horford was the main piece in that proposed deal.
But I don’t see the Hawks as being willing to trade for Howard without a long-term commitment now. That’s especially true if Orlando, as reported, is looking to unload one of its bad contracts as part of any deal for Howard.
The Hawks clearly would do that if Howard declares he’ll sign an extension here. Until that happens I doubt Howard will have a homecoming.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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1,008 comments Add your comment
DS
July 3rd, 2012
2:20 pm
And I’m sure that Adidas deal can be as attractive in Atlanta.
@Hawk-eye: ONE injury does not make a player injury prone.
Danny Ferry
July 3rd, 2012
2:20 pm
I’ve already told you b.it.ches I got this!
northcyde
July 3rd, 2012
2:20 pm
Astro, here is a little insight as to why Utah traded for Marvin
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/54420387-87/harris-williams-jazz-trade.html.csp
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 3rd, 2012
2:20 pm
Grand-Daddy!
“His starting pg for his entire career = not important ?”
_________
And, how many titles did all that get him?
Danny Ferry
July 3rd, 2012
2:21 pm
Why ya’ll all up on CP3? I like another PG, care to guess who?
HAWKS
July 3rd, 2012
2:22 pm
https://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/full/610519056.gif?key=400200&Expires=1341340730&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=OWs~O0esOQN~Re3kRz6Q9GHUfgWP-BwKtiny8Qsg7FXE-c4K8B7nDwiZmZzGP99UpUmRffO24DqZi9pY6lv26GkaUJ3MetoGsH2bfs5bhHqCyw8yemy0GxgXq5Q3MdNryzpjhzgzsfLe5hxDTV05B6ujOjh4z4ZtLALjL3xRtns_
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 3rd, 2012
2:23 pm
Isn’t Marvin from Utah or Portland? Gone on home – boy.
Glsjunior
July 3rd, 2012
2:27 pm
If you trade for Howard he has to resign because no one else will have the cap room. Especially not the nets.
The Real cp
July 3rd, 2012
2:27 pm
The same point of CP3 not saying the Hawks are on his short list. You act as if because he is shopping for a home in Atlanta then he wants to play here. What kind of logic is that? Do you know how many athletes own homes in Atlanta and have no desire to play here
Let me take it a step further. When Chris Paul was about to be traded from the Hornets he gave them a list of teams that he would waive that opt out clause for. Guess what team wasnt on that list. To take it even further. He had the Clippers of all teams on that list but no where on that list were the Hawks. The Clippers history make the Hawks history look like the Lakers. Paul could have added the Hawks last year as a team he would play for but didnt.
Tommy
July 3rd, 2012
2:28 pm
@drmaryb
I am pretty sure he is from Seattle.
KevinM
July 3rd, 2012
2:30 pm
MsDee, I am with you on Harden and Ibaka and offering them deals should D12 no longer be an option.
If the Morrow deal to LAC is valid, that frees up 4M more.
I think Ferry is shooting for 2 pieces this offseason, PG and C.
Based on how this is going down, and with rumors that Atlanta has the best package so far (allegedly), I think you have to go for it and get a difference maker. Al, Teague and 2 draft picks are good pieces.
I’m thinking ORL wants to dump some salary as well, namely Turk.
Ferry doesn’t need a 3rd team to get a deal done like rumors are that Brooklyn does. And Humphries, Brooks & Lopez is just Brooklyn south, and they haven’t accomplished anything.
I think its LA you have to watch out for, with Bynum being the centerpiece. I can’t see how LA does nothing all offseason.
And if D12 is going anywhere, he’s going somewhere very soon (agreeing here with DMB). No reason to drag this thing out.
I like where we are today much more than yesterday no matter what happens the rest of the year. I just believe that Ferry is going to try and compete TODAY and get a superstar to come here. He’s going to have a year to watch this roster and see if he can lock down some roster slots.
AJ, at the end of games, having Josh and D12 at the FT line is just going to be painful to watch if that happens. I understand it can be overcome, but so far, 2 guys who get foul shots like the OKC guards?
They’re just leaving so many points at the line…they simply have to improve.
We’re very close to expecting a lot out of Devin Harris huh?
doc
July 3rd, 2012
2:30 pm
too funny nc i was thinking that myself, no more charles to harass us at court side or hubie harranging away at our lack of execution.
Why not?
July 3rd, 2012
2:30 pm
Keep Horoford, keep Smith, keep Teague.Sign D Howard when he is a free agent.
KevinM
July 3rd, 2012
2:32 pm
Would anyone be surprised if Ferry was discussing things with Nash?
I wouldn’t at this point…Nash has been very quiet and teams expected to compete for him appear to be dropping out quickly.
Could you see Nash/Josh/D12? in an arena near you?
doc
July 3rd, 2012
2:33 pm
dmb, funny girl. try seattle as home for marvin about as liberal a place there is to be now landing in utah one of the most conservative places about another ten states to go before you get there. like you landing in minnesota and saying you arent far from home because the mississippi river is close by. heh heh
KevinM
July 3rd, 2012
2:33 pm
This is definitely not enough to sway Henigan:
“Jarrod Rudolph: Source: Lakers are prepared to offer the Andrew Bynum and Metta World Peace to the Magic for Dwight Howard provided Howard signs extension”
No wonder we are looking like a leader for D12…..that is a weak offer.
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 3rd, 2012
2:34 pm
SALARIES
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1LA Lakers$79,827,237
2Orlando$77,978,342
3Miami$77,322,600
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6Atlanta Hawks$60,921,971
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2Kobe Bryant39
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5Manu Ginobili29
6Dwight Howard27
6Dwyane Wade27
Danny Ferry
July 3rd, 2012
2:35 pm
I been thinking about how good DWill Smoove(what a dumbass nickname) and D.Howard will look together.
Astro Joe
July 3rd, 2012
2:37 pm
Kevin, as you know, I’m not expecting ish from the ‘12-13 Hawks. Devin Harris lost time to Earl Watson the last few years in Utah. Earl Watson. All of this chatter about what megastar may arrive in the next few weeks (or days) makes me very uncomfortable. I’d much rather wait to acquire the franchise players next summer… when the Hawks have far more leverage with dollar-dollar bills, y’all.
terrell
July 3rd, 2012
2:37 pm
You guys must love 2 guards with max contracts, because thats what Hardens gonna want. Or damn near it.
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 3rd, 2012
2:40 pm
Seattle it is, then. just get his “brown rice – fish heads” eating arse the hella outa’ here. lol & so long buddy.
SteveW
July 3rd, 2012
2:41 pm
Hoopshype is reporting that:
1) The Nets are about to sign a European PF for the full mid-level, which means they their total salary this season cannot exceed 74 mill. Good news for the Hawks?
2) Jason Terry is about to sign with the Celts for the full Mid level, and they still want Ray Allen.
Danny Ferry
July 3rd, 2012
2:44 pm
If you guys think getting rid of No Show Joe, and Marshmellow Marvin was great, get a load of my next move…Can’t Touch Dis!
HawksFanSince'89
July 3rd, 2012
2:44 pm
J Smoove, D. Howard, and CP3
#ATLBIG3
SteveW
July 3rd, 2012
2:47 pm
If Dwight wants to come here, and the back checks out, I sell the house to get him. Al, ZaZa, Teague, 4 1st picks.
That’s the way forward to me.
And is Smoove moving to the 3?
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 3rd, 2012
2:50 pm
AJ
the hawks are far from being done here. the fat lady just walked into Wal-Mart and, ALL the prices just went down. calm down baby, I predict Devin Harris will not be on this roster for very long.
hawks_4_life
July 3rd, 2012
2:50 pm
HOOPSHYPE:
Still, a source with knowledge of the Magic’s plans said that the Nets are merely one of a number of teams amid trade talks, and that the Lakers, Rockets, Hawks and Mavericks are all reportedly in the mix. Howard’s hometown Hawks may be the most intriguing option. New general manager Danny Ferry has cleared more than $100 million from the books over the next four years with the Johnson deal and a separate trade that — once formalized after the free agency moratorium ends on July 11 — will send forward Marvin Williams to Utah for point guard Devin Harris. SI.com
SteveW
July 3rd, 2012
2:50 pm
I am so looking forward to a Teague/Harris PG next season if that’s how this shakes out. Been ages since ATL had a PG position like that.
Bibby had some real good moments – but this is different and deep with athleticism.
NCBravesFan
July 3rd, 2012
2:50 pm
Northcyde @12:38 … I hope that is the case. If Ferry wants to acquire Howard, I think he deserves the chance to speak with DH, see where his mind is and whether he is willing to sign an extension with ATL.
Otherwise the Hawks should pass, even if it means Howard goes to another team.
Tim
July 3rd, 2012
2:54 pm
Still think Howard ends up in Atlanta now. The Hawks can offer Horford and Teague if they want. Might be to hard for the Magic to pass up.
Check out our article on the most intriguing free agent this year:
http://sports-glutton.com/2012/07/03/the-most-intriguing-player-in-nba-free-agency/
KevinM
July 3rd, 2012
2:56 pm
AJ, I’m with of looking at building long-term, but if there’s a chance you can have at worse a 1 year test with D12 as your centerpiece, I think Ferry’s gonna make that move. For a guy that loosened a noose around our neck in one week, Im not asking for anything else.
I can absorb a 1 year playoff absence there is a long term elite player solution….but when you try to go to OKC MODE, you have to be bad for 2-3 years…and we still have good pieces to complement a star.
As I said earlier, decide who your #1 is, then get him in place to start your plan going forward. I think Ferry is going to have a couple more moves very soon.
Astro Joe
July 3rd, 2012
2:58 pm
Mary, he can shop at Walmart today or shop at Bloomingdale’s next summer.
Ray
July 3rd, 2012
3:01 pm
I really think Mcgee was just doing that because Wizards let him for so long.
Like people been saying Sac-town and the wiz are two teams you really don’t want to play for why their all so young on that team.
Your oldest player or use to be oldest in Blatche was a headcase of himself. When I think about it though Sacramento probably doesn’t have to deal with the headcases as much except for Cousins of course.
moboman
July 3rd, 2012
3:02 pm
Ferry is nobody’s fool. No extension, no deal. Y’all remember Texiera? JD Drew? Danny Manning? If he will extend, do the deal in a second, if not he’s fools gold.
Slimjr
July 3rd, 2012
3:03 pm
Be great if Danny and Orlando can pull off a trade by the end of the week…
J.J.M.
July 3rd, 2012
3:04 pm
“The Nets’ agreement today to sign Bosnian power forward Mirza Teletovic with the full mid-level exception makes the task of acquiring Howard exponentially more difficult. The new collective bargaining agreement includes an effective hard cap, set $4 million above the tax line, for any team that uses the full mid-level exception, which is worth about $5 million per season. The Nets have now reportedly put that cap in play with the Teletovic agreement.
Even assuming Wallace accepted a back-loaded deal that will pay him only $9 million next season, the sum of 2012-13 deals for Wallace, Teletovic, Howard, Johnson and a max-level $17.2 million deal for Williams would give the Nets about $70.5 million in payroll with only five roster spots filled. The Nets, in other words, would have only $3.5 million left to fill up to seven roster spots, for a per-spot price of just over the $473,000 rookie minimum salary.
Thus it would seem extremely difficult now for the Nets to trade for Howard unless either Wallace or Williams is willing to take much less money next season (and perhaps over the course of their contracts). And the Nets’ absorbing Turkoglu or Richardson along with Howard would seem to be out of the question now. League rules will prevent the Nets from dealing Teletovic or any of their new free-agent signings for several months.”
NCBravesFan
July 3rd, 2012
3:08 pm
Bears mentioning (sorry if it has been pointed out already) that the new ORL GM worked in the Spurs front office previously. So Ferry has a history with him.
FWIW
Jay Dubu
July 3rd, 2012
3:09 pm
If Sund had done a sign and trade with Joe Johnson two years ago, the Hawks could be that much further in reconstructing their team.
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 3rd, 2012
3:12 pm
AJ
lol
KevinM
July 3rd, 2012
3:12 pm
If you add QRich to D12, that wouldn’t hurt filling our SG slot….he has nimbers that match Zaza.
Slimjr
July 3rd, 2012
3:12 pm
“the new ORL GM worked in the Spurs front office previously. So Ferry has a history with him.”
Wow NCBravestFan that is awesome news that I have not heard? Hmmmmm
Looks like our Hawks maybe the front runners? Hmmmmm
Gas it up Josh and go get your boy/your best man and bring him to his House! Phillips Arena! Make it so.
Can you say ECF’s next year? Why not?
Slimjr
July 3rd, 2012
3:13 pm
Sund was too busy prepping his new fishing boat for retirement…LOL!
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 3rd, 2012
3:14 pm
AJ
We are not promised tomorrow, all we have is today. the way the global market is going these days, bloomindale’s might not even be in business next year. Wal-Mart’s ain’t going no where with all the cheapness they offer the trailer people like us.
Slimjr
July 3rd, 2012
3:15 pm
Hmmmm: When you hear somebody even mention retirement on his breath….Means he’s a part timer getting paid like a full timer? Get it?
hawksfancents95
July 3rd, 2012
3:24 pm
can someone make sense of this devin harris for marvin williams trade for me?
i still dont get why utah would want marvins contract when devin harris’ contract is about to end and marvin has got 3 years left?
i would like to see the hawks trade devin harris for kevin martin in HOU. kevins contract is for this year only and we have no starting SG, plus we need to help Houston anyway we can so they make the playoffs and we get to keep Brooklyns pick. id also like to see us sign michael b-easy beasley for our starting SF spot.
PG Teague SG Kevin Martin SF Michael Beasley PF Josh Smith C Al horford
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 3rd, 2012
3:25 pm
Slim-Juice, Jr
“Hmmmm: When you hear somebody even mention retirement on his breath….”
___________
Sund was beyond my scope! ILL tell you what was beyond my scope … his breath! not a sip, not a swallow, but the whole damned bottle!
Aye Sund! … I hate to be mean, but you need lister-ene!
Raybud
July 3rd, 2012
3:33 pm
I still think that Mr. Ferry isn’t done. I’m not sure if he can actually sell the Dwight to Atlanta pitch. Don’t get me wrong, with less than a week on the job, he got rid of the top scorer and the bust on the team on the same day. The only other miracle that i know that was better than this one was when Jesus turned water into wine…lol. As much as i would love to see a D12, CP3, and JSmoove led team, I’d hate to see Horford go, because if you are a realist, then you know his time is up in Atlanta, and so is Teague.
Astro Joe
July 3rd, 2012
3:34 pm
Mary, next July, Hawks will be alomst $40M under the salary cap. Almost $55M under the luxury tax line. Right now, they have a limited number of players to consider, next summer, they could sign and/or trade for anyone. Heck, they could offer OKC a 2nd round pick if Westbrook continues to treat Durant like his nerdy older brother. We’d have the cap space to bring him in. Patience dear, patience.
Jay Dubu
July 3rd, 2012
3:34 pm
With the NBA salary cap where it is, no team is going to be able to have multiple players with max contracts, and have a supporting roster of good role players.
The max contracts need to be adjusted downward to accomodate the salary cap structure.
northcyde
July 3rd, 2012
3:40 pm
hawksfancents95
July 3rd, 2012
3:24 pm
can someone make sense of this devin harris for marvin williams trade for me?
i still dont get why utah would want marvins contract when devin harris’ contract is about to end and marvin has got 3 years left?
************************
First off, Marvin has 2 years left.
Second, the Jazz was 27th in the league in 3 point % and 29th in the league in 3 point attempts.
Article before the trade
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/sports/54410092-77/jazz-utah-free-million.html.csp
The Jazz are deep and flexible, though, and general manager Kevin O’Connor continues to set up the small-market organization for a potential free-agent bonanza next summer. Heading into the 2012-13 campaign, eight of the Jazz’s 12 players under contract hold expiring deals, including all four point guards and starting big men Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson. Factor in the impending signing of second-round draft pick Kevin Murphy and the expectation the Jazz will re-sign reserve forward Jeremy Evans, and the only Utah players with a near guarantee to be in uniform in a year are youngsters Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, Alec Burks and Enes Kanter.
To bridge the gap, the Jazz are expected to pursue a sharpshooting wing who can stretch the floor and punish defenses that spent the end of the 2011-12 season collapsing on Jefferson and Millsap.
One of the things I said about Marvin’s 7 – 11 three point shooting performance in Games 5 and 6 of the Celtic series, is that it may have made him a little bit more tradeable. And sure enough, some team believes that Marvin could be that type of shooter.
It reminds me of how Trevor Ariza rose his stock considerably during the Laker’s run to the NBA Finals in 2008, by shooting lights out from 3. Marvin only did it for 2 games. But combine that, with the 39% he shot from 3 during the regular season, and he made himself more enticing to team looking for a shooter.
So because Utah already has 3 guys who can play the point, Harris was expendable. And because Utah has all of those expiring contracts at the end of the year, they could actually afford to take on a 2 year deal for Marvin.
Now that I know the dynamics behind Utah’s decision, it does make sense for them.