Atlanta Hawks: Hawks look to be out of chase for Dwight Howard
The Hawks no longer appear to be in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reports that it’s now a two-team race for Howard between the Nets and the Lakers with Brooklyn in the lead. Center Brook Lopez would be the centerpiece of a deal with the Nets while the Lakers would send center Andrew Bynum to Orlando.
Update: Wojnarowski reports that in the latest proposal the Magic would send Howard, Jason Richardson and Earl Clark to the Nets in exchange for Lopez, Damion James, Shelden Williams, Luke Walton and up to four first-round draft picks.
The Hawks had been in discussions with Orlando regarding Howard since before the draft. They can offer the Magic better players than New Jersey in exchange for Howard, including Al Horford and Jeff Teague. The Hawks also picked up an extra first-round draft pick as part of the trade that sent Joe Johnson to the Nets.
But Atlanta has been reluctant to make such a deal because Howard has given no indication he’s willing to commit to the Hawks (or any team other than Brooklyn) beyond next season. Without that assurance, Atlanta is unwilling to trade major pieces and draft picks and also take back one or more of Orlando’s onerous contracts with the risk that Howard would bolt in free agency after one season.
According to multiple reports, the Nets are trying to complete a complicated trade for Howard that could include two other teams and as many as 14 players. Howard, the former Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy star, made it more difficult for Orlando to trade him when he exercised his 2012-13 contract option at the last trade deadline.
Howard opted in after he had requested a trade in December, when the Hawks were among the teams engaged in serious trade discussions with Orlando’s since-fired GM Otis Smith. Howard renewed his trade request in April and last week told Yahoo that if he’s sent to any team other than Brooklyn he would play out his contract and explore free agency next season.
Brian K. Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel reported that the Magic are in “no hurry” to trade Howard. But other reports have indicated the Magic are ready to trade Howard as soon as possible and begin rebuilding after months of drama surrounding their franchise player.
After shedding Johnson’s contract, the Hawks are in position to offer Howard a maximum free agent deal next summer. But the team that has Howard under contract to end the 2012-13 season will hold his “Bird Rights” and be able to offer a contract that’s worth about $25 million more than any other team.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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150 comments Add your comment
Reality Check
July 9th, 2012
4:11 pm
All of this denial sounds exactly like little kids putting their fingers in their ears, and saying “lalalala, I can’t hear you!” LMFAO.
HAWKSORDIE
July 9th, 2012
4:11 pm
ivan Johnson is a 6-8 sf who handled c.bosh like a b%%&&& I was there watching u know horford can handle bosh also sooo they’re the ring bearers so at that rate josh can handle. bron ..and small ball is in now People
vava74
July 9th, 2012
4:12 pm
Mark my words:
the CAVS are playing ball to prevent a string of championships by Lebron…
gLENN
July 9th, 2012
4:14 pm
No Dwight didn’t . Thats the thing . He said he would only sign long term with the Net . Will Bynum do that next ? If Cleveland can get an agreement from Humphries the trade will go through unless Stern ” Chris Pauls ” it . Brooks for a one pick is a given .
HAWKSORDIE
July 9th, 2012
4:17 pm
i ain’t see. d12 do much other than dunk in past years…..hmmm
BC
July 9th, 2012
4:18 pm
Now that Kirk Hinrich has signed to play with the Bulls, I wonder if our back court is set. We still need that wing man.
GoldDawg
July 9th, 2012
4:18 pm
ESPN is reporting that the Nets-Magic deal has hit another snag. 4th team is now needed to complete the deal. Also, Humphries wants a larger contract than the Cavs can offer.
HAWKSORDIE
July 9th, 2012
4:20 pm
kirk hasn’t been kirk since celts bulls series wit all the overtime
GoldDawg
July 9th, 2012
4:22 pm
Looks like they found the 4th team already. Clippers take Marshon Brooks and give back protected lottery pick
HAWKSORDIE
July 9th, 2012
4:24 pm
wow clippers get another nick young ( marshon brooks) ???
Ackshun
July 9th, 2012
4:24 pm
The Hawks need to play moneyball next year and build a good foundation. Add a couple of superstars in free agency and see if we can’t get out from under the nique jinx.
Billy
July 9th, 2012
4:26 pm
I would trade Howard to whoever makes me the best offer. I wouldn’t let one player my organization hostage like Howard is doing!
Melvin
July 9th, 2012
4:27 pm
Look like the Clipppers will be the 4th team to help facilitate the Howard trade. I guess they wanted to keep Howard in the East….lol
I still say the Cavs are stupid for being a part of this trade.
GoldDawg
July 9th, 2012
4:29 pm
Bye Bye Josh Smith!
GoldDawg
July 9th, 2012
4:30 pm
Teague/Harris/Smith/Horford/ZaZa = 7th seed in the East – Go Hawks!
SuckerFree
July 9th, 2012
4:30 pm
I’d take a chance just like the Nets did with Deron Williams.
But we can’t this year because most of the good free agents are RFA or still on the rookie contracts which means the team still has the option (and they 99% of the time exercise that option).
So in a sense…the Joe Johnson contract still has us stuck but it gives us a CHANCE to resign Josh Smith.
Looking at the Free Agents next year….it’s CP3, Josh Smith, Monta Ellis, Bynum, Howard and Andre Iguodala as headliners. RFA’s teams usually match if it’s a good player….so Tyreke Evans, Cousins, Harden, DeRozan, Greg Monroe, Blake Griffin, Brandon Jennings….I don’t expect them to switch teams outright.
I’d say roll the dice this year. Pick up Anthony Randolph and Rashard Lewis. Slide Josh Smith to the 3 (and let him take more shots), Randolph to the 4 and Horford at the 5.
If the team is trash, high lottery pick. No financial obligation to Josh Smith and tons of cap space to try and backload a deal with one of the RFAs next year so a team won’t match. Use Horford and Teague as trade chips. Build thru the draft and get rid of Larry Drew since he’s in the last year of his contract anyway.
Brand new start, no hesitation rebuild mode.
BravesFan79
July 9th, 2012
4:32 pm
Were dead: Probably the dumbest comment ive ever seen on this board. First you place Jenkins (a rookie with no experience), over Morrow (one of the top shooters in the league, who scored 42 last year with 8 3’s against the T-Wolves last season). And then you say Ivan can be better than Horford!?? Have you seen Ivans jump shot? Ive can get rebounds and hit layups. Thats about it.
Astro Joe
July 9th, 2012
4:38 pm
Here’s what you do with cap space next summer. Let’s say that you discover that the Clippers have 2 PGs better than Teague. You trade for using draft picks (we’ll have at least 2) and cap space. Or, let’s say that Rondo is running off some other Celtics and they decide to cut ties with him… you have cap space to make that deal. Bynum is a UFA next summer, you could offer him a max 4year deal. Think Al Jefferson would help at a reasonable contract, go get him. Want to bring in Derrick Favors, offer him a nice contract as a RFA and hope for the best. Nothing guaranteed, but since many complain about not reading any news about possible Hawks transactions during the off-season, have $40M in cap space and read until the wee hours of the morning.
Many bloggers wanted Joe’s dealt to create “financial flexibility”. Well, we’ll have that in spades next summer. So there you have it… we traded a highly productive player (albeit with an awful contract) for a guy name Cap Space. Cap Space (hopefully) will be with the Hawks for one year until we trade him for some productive players who can get us back on track.
Fundamentals
July 9th, 2012
4:38 pm
Definite downer to miss out on Brooks. He’s he young talented wing that would’ve helped solidify this roster. Now we need a SF, combo guard and a C prospect to balance our roster barring any more buyouts.
Josh has his chance to prove his value. I don’t see us sliding out of the playoffs with he and Teague playing for their next and potentially last big contract. Horford also needs to prove he can return to form or he’s inked his last big time deal. The guys have plenty to play for. I see us competing well, given a few more roster slots filled.
Danny has time before the season starts and Feb might just be a bit more active than we remember as teams look to trade for expiring contracts, which we now have a ton of for the cap space we have to offer.
Solid, rising, young talent. That’s what we need here. Randolph sounds like a good gamble.
To me Dwight would’ve been the end of our franchise when he and Josh bolted after a season of stress and more unmagical moments like the Magic endured last year. No thanks for me personally.
Buddy G
July 9th, 2012
4:39 pm
Want to know why the Celtics are in the lead to land Courtney Lee in a sign and trade? Because players want to play for Doc Rivers:
http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/this-just-in/21212646/lee-more-eight-teams-pursuit
Brian Shaw is the closest thing to a “next Doc Rivers” the league may see for a while. Go get him, Ferry.
Rod from College Park
July 9th, 2012
4:40 pm
If they thought the stands were empty last year, wait till they see them this year. This is also the problem Mr. Ferry has. No one is going to pay to see this team as constructed in Atlanta. Get past this Dwight thing and make some moves Mr. Ferry. Dwight nor CP3 is signing with us next year, no matter how much cap room we have. Make some moves. Should have made sure we got Marshawn Brooks.
BravesFan79
July 9th, 2012
4:40 pm
Genius…. lets just get rid of everyone, start over in the draft… and we will be a title contender in the next 5 years! LOL…. right… then why arent the Bobcats or Wizards contenders by now? And Dallas looks to be pretty bad for the next 10 years after their failure of loosing everyone to create “cap room”. What a shame, Dirk should be in his prime/golden years on a championship contender, instead they look like a lotto team on paper now. If Dallas cant lure top name free agents with their steady ownership and there superior facilities, wtf makes you think there coming to Atlanta as free agents?
Buddy Grizzard
July 9th, 2012
4:43 pm
Sully and PJ3 had big debuts in summer league. Utah picks from last year Kanter and Burks are being outshined by this year’s rookies. One writer said Fab Melo is already a better NBA player than Kanter. Hope Jenkins shows something on Friday.
Fundamentals
July 9th, 2012
4:45 pm
Morrow will draw some Tech supporters to watch the Hawks. He’ll do well in our offense, question is his defensive intensity. Lou Williams and Brooks were also good local products to help build on the young, rising LOCAL talent that might just be something to market. We truly would have ATLANTA HAWKS with 4-5 local guys heading up our team.
This team proved well last season it could win without Joe or Horford. They also proved they didn’t have the chemistry to put it all together when it counted repeatedly. We need a team that gels on the court as a TEAM, not as friends who have grown to like each other because they’ve grown up together.
BravesFan79
July 9th, 2012
4:46 pm
I could really see Doc as Atlantas head coach in a few years, but not until Garnett retires. We need to build around Teague, Horford, Smith, and Morrow. Maybe we could land someone like Dirk thru a trade for draft picks. A shot blocking center like Chandler wouldnt hurt either.
Hawk Realist
July 9th, 2012
4:51 pm
The problem with the NBA is they cannot develop talent. Bad teams continue to blow the draft. Young players coming with a certain skill set and many never improve beyond that. Coaching young players is a skill that many coaches do not have. Doc Rivers is great with young and veteran players.
I still believe Joe Johnson and his ball hawking and the lack of coaching/leadership lead to Marvin Williams not developing. How can you when the coaches reinforce you are the fourth option. Marvin can handle the ball with either hand. Mark Price helped improved his jump shot. He can defend. He needed to finish better at the rim (dunk the ball). Mainly he’s a head case. Unless you believe you in yourself no one else will. I blame the coaches for not developing him mentally.
Also I believe Josh Smith would be further along if J.J. wasn’t allowed to dominate the offense. Al, Josh, Marvin and Jeff deferred to him for far too long.
BravesFan79
July 9th, 2012
4:52 pm
Astro Joe: good point in bringing up D Favors. Dude was a beast on defense for Utah last year. And i bet hed be happy to sign a contract to come back to his home town. Favors, Kayman, Chandler. All players id rather have than overpaying for Howard.
Ra'mon
July 9th, 2012
4:53 pm
Buddy, is that the same Kanter that half of the blog wanted to trade Josh for?
anonymous
July 9th, 2012
4:54 pm
Should we roll the dice and give up a 2014 first and get Marshon Brooks from the Nets to give the Magic so we can get a good, young wingman out of Stone Mountain, GA? Push comes to shove we have two firsts next year due to the Nets being able to finish out of the lottery. I just think thats something we should consider, a goood young SG on the block for practically a #20 plus first round pick in 2014 is a steal in my eyes
KevinM
July 9th, 2012
4:56 pm
The Clippers continue to load their roster with experienced guards. Their scrimmages will be quite competitive if they keep these guards.
We should have been able to get Brooks, but Stevenson ends up being the longest contract in the guys coming here (3).
Danny sure has some work to do and should be quite busy trying to either stay competitive or picking up draft picks.
We only need a 1 or 2 more good draft picks Danny; Al and Josh should be able to help you there.
Fundamentals
July 9th, 2012
4:56 pm
That’s the chemistry I speak of Hawk Realist. We’ve squandered some pretty good talent catering to Joe being our big time leader. A good coach would maximize the talents and skills of every player from top to bottom. This year was case in point where Boston’s scrub role players taught us a lesson repeatedly, while giving KG & Pierce valuable rest. At the same time our scrubs watched and complained as our starters ran completely out of gas.
I do hope Marvin does something in Utah. He hasn’t shown the heart to do it here, but what honestly was his incentive? He was constantly told to play defense and wait for his shots as the 6th option. A good offense should keep everyone hungry for opportunities. Joe pounding the ball and Smoove selfishly chucking bricks doesn’t accomplish much for the TEAM. That’s Danny’s problem moving forward. Establishing a TEAM culture focussed on WINNING, not personal stats for the “Captains”.
Rod from College Park
July 9th, 2012
5:02 pm
“I still believe Joe Johnson and his ball hawking and the lack of coaching/leadership lead to Marvin Williams not developing. How can you when the coaches reinforce you are the fourth option. Marvin can handle the ball with either hand. Mark Price helped improved his jump shot. He can defend. He needed to finish better at the rim (dunk the ball). Mainly he’s a head case. Unless you believe you in yourself no one else will. I blame the coaches for not developing him mentally.”
Dude blame Marvin for Marvin. Nobodys fault but his. He will be out of the league after this contract. By the way, he can no handle the ball with both hands, and he can’t stay on his feet.
Rod from College Park
July 9th, 2012
5:03 pm
“not”
Go Figure
July 9th, 2012
5:07 pm
Is there really any point in posting another (and another, and another…) article about an Atlanta sports franchise’s inability to secure top talent, while remaining committed to building around a core of solid-if-unremarkable-players? Just reprint any article about a quiet Braves offseason, or the Falcons missing out on a big name, or change the details of every Hawks offseason article ever written. Then title it “No S#!%”
Ra'mon
July 9th, 2012
5:09 pm
How can anyone blame Joe Johnson for Marvin having problems standing up and dribbling? The dude is a wing player who can’t dribble at full speed. He has no first or second step. And I’ve seen him get hung on the rim countless times. Its sad when your own team is SURPRISED when you produce marginal numbers. Marvin is the only starter who if they had 14 points, the commentator would say ‘Good game from Marvin’. Good game? 14 points? And then Pinky and the Braid Sund goes and give Marvin a contract that C. Butler (a former all star) would be jealous of. Its taken Minnesota two years to give up on Derrick Williams. It took the Hawks 2 contracts.
vava74
July 9th, 2012
5:19 pm
AJ,
Great posts. Honestly.
Blogger of week, IMO.
Funny, incisive, always sharp…
But I have one doubt, Cap Space isn’t another tweener or is he?
Because if he is, I’m done with team!! -D
vava74
July 9th, 2012
5:20 pm
Forgot my eyes!! B-D
A Pimp Named Slickback!
July 9th, 2012
5:26 pm
Man stop complaining, sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward, this blog is an example of why D12 or any superstar won’t come play for the Hawks.
Columbus
July 9th, 2012
5:32 pm
Horford might could take over a game if he was in his natural position AND had a good center and supporting cast. Horford is legit enough for me. I have seen him do it. You dont have to take over games to be an all-star. You have to be very good at your position and contribute to the team scoring, defending, rebounding, assists and winning and/or making OTHERS successfull. You dont have to dominate to be an allstar. You can do one or 10 things well and NOT take over a game just contribute significantly and above most others at your position. Watch Horford in his NATURAL position with players AROUND him…Hes an allstar and NOT EVEN IN HIS NATURAL POSITION ! Who you going to get to replace him? He can play CENTER and forward IF NEEDED AND PLAY THEM WELL
Jay Dubu
July 9th, 2012
5:42 pm
Josh will be looking for the samething that Josh is looking for this season. He wants a sign and trade, so that he can get max dollars (JJ), and Orlando id the only team he can get it from.
Next year, Josh will be looking for max dollars, and the Hawks will be the only place he can get that. So, if Josh leaves the Hawks, it’ll be a sign and trade.
LeBron left Cleveland without getting the max deal. Not a lot of “superstar” players are going to do that.
Gwinnett Fred
July 9th, 2012
5:42 pm
Since when was it even possible Howard was coming? He has gone on record numerous times saying he doesn’t want to come “home” and just because Atlanta is his “home” doesn’t mean he would want to play here.
This is a total non story. limp thru the upcoming season and then see who’s available. We aren’t good enough (yet) to rent a $20 million player anyway, much less give up something in trade so we can make it to the 2nd round and bail again and then have nothing to show for it!
Jay Dubu
July 9th, 2012
5:43 pm
correction – Josh will be looking for the samething that Howard…
Rod from College Park
July 9th, 2012
5:45 pm
“Hes an allstar and NOT EVEN IN HIS NATURAL POSITION ! Who you going to get to replace him? He can play CENTER and forward IF NEEDED AND PLAY THEM WELL”
Your post should read he is an all star because he is not at his natural position. He would have no chance being an all star playing the 4. He was an all star because he was listed as a center.
The Truth
July 9th, 2012
5:49 pm
Chad Ford: “Proposed deal (cont’d): Magic picks would be: two 1st rd picks from Nets & a lottery protected 1st from the Clippers” – Twitter
Chad Ford: Proposed deal (cont’d): “The Clippers would receive MarShon Brooks”
Dumb trade: Why would Orlando pass up a sure thing with MarShon Brooks for a questionable lottery protected pick?
Orlando new GM suppose to be an upgrade? Sund wouldn’t be that stupid.
It’s clear that Orlando wants to stank-up this upcoming season so bad to ensure lottery statue and nothing more.
What I don’t understand
Sautee
July 9th, 2012
5:49 pm
“He would have no chance being an all star playing the 4. He was an all star because he was listed as a center.” Rod from CP
Co-sign Rod. He’s maybe the 10th best pf in the East. Until he starts playing like he used to, that’s where I’d rate him as a pf. At center there’s just so little competition.
Ken Strickland
July 9th, 2012
5:53 pm
Some of you are nothing more than NEGATIVE MINDED MORONS. You whinned, bitched and complained all yr long about JJs contract and Marvin not producing or living up to his draft position and contract. All you clowns talked about is getting rid of JJ, Marvin, and their contracts.
Well, now Ferry has done just that, and you same fools are now whinning, bitching and complaining about the possibility of the team not being good enough to make the playoffs or have a winning season, like you were too doggone stupid to realize that possibility. Too me, having 2 starting caliber PGs(Teague/Harris), a backup OC(Petro) that’s more productive and athletic than Dampier and Collins combined, along with a DEF stopper in DStevenson, quality jumpshooters SF(AMorrow & SG Jenkins), and a PF(Williams) with size and rebounding ability, to go with Zaza, IJohnson, Scott and Jenkins, could end up making us a better team. We might end up signing Randolph as well.
The key is, will LD got with the vet(Harris) rather than trusting, starting, and developing the rookie(Jenkins). Will he go with Morrow at SF, or play Josh and start Zaza?
The Truth
July 9th, 2012
5:54 pm
“lottery status”
Rev in Tampa
July 9th, 2012
5:55 pm
@Rod from CP – “Your post should read he is an all star because he is not at his natural position. He would have no chance being an all star playing the 4. He was an all star because he was listed as a center.”
Thank you for saying that. I completely agree. Copy it so that you can paste it every time that inane argument starts regarding Al moving to PF.
Michael Cunningham
July 9th, 2012
5:56 pm
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.
Atlanta Hawks: Hawks look to be out of chase for Dwight Howard | Atlanta Informer
July 10th, 2012
1:08 am
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