Hawks should trade any two players for Dwight Howard
If Orlando wants Josh Smith and another player to get Dwight Howard, fine (Curtis Compton)
NBA teams are starting to open their facility doors to players, having conversations with agents and formulating plans for their respective rosters.
What a great time for the Hawks to push for the one move they could make that would grab everybody’s attention, fill Philips Arena and possibly move them closer to title contention: Trade for Dwight Howard.
I realize this is a long shot. But Howard almost certainly is going to be traded some time over the next several months. He can opt out of his contract after this season and there’s no indication that he wants to stay in Orlando.
Howard never has stated that he wants to come back home to Atlanta to play center for the Hawks. But let’s put the team’s potential sales pitch to him on hold for just a minute.
Here’s the plan, after my high-level talks with Michael “Ice Man” Cunningham: Tell the Magic they can have any two players they want.
At some point, Orlando will come to the realization that it can’t convince Howard to stay so management will go looking for the best deal. I can’t believe any other team in the league could offer as valuable a trade package as the Hawks can. Tell the Magic that they can take Joe Johnson and Al Horford. Or Joe Johnson and Josh Smith. Or Al Horford and Josh Smith.
Regardless of which two players Orlando chooses, the Hawks would have the most dominant center in the game and the major marketing piece the franchise needs in this city. Their starting two pieces toward building an NBA title contender: Howard and Johnson (I can see the commercials now), Howard and Horford or Howard and Smith (reuniting the pre-school teammates).
Now, about Howard. There are ramifications of the new collective bargaining agreement that I freely (and proudly) admit ignorance about. I’m aware that impending free agents don’t quite have the leverage they used to (see: Carmelo Anthony). Therefore, Howard might prefer just opting out of his contract, hitting the open market and getting a longer, more lucrative deal as a free agent than he could in some sort of extend-and-trade situation.
But the Hawks have ammunition if they want to pitch Howard:
• 1.) Atlanta is home. His parents, family and friends can watch him play.
• 2.) The cap space cleared by two high-profile players leaving would give the Hawks the ability to pursue other players in trade and free agency. Howard’s presence also immediately makes Atlanta a more attractive option for other NBA players, many of whom already live here in the offseason.
• 3.) Howard wants to build his brand. That’s understandable. But he doesn’t need to go to Los Angeles or New York to do that. The Hawks need only show him last week’s New York Times story that was titled, “Stars Flock to Atlanta, Reshaping a Center of Black Culture.”
Excerpts from the story:
” … Fueled by a generous entertainment tax credit, the migration of affluent African-Americans from the North and the surprising fact that even celebrities appreciate the lower cost of living here, this capital of the Deep South is emerging as an epicenter of the black glitterati. …
To be sure, Atlanta has long had a high concentration of well-connected, affluent blacks. But the Atlanta area is now home to such a critical mass of successful actors, rappers and entertainment executives that few would argue its position as the center of black culture. Tyler Perry and his movie and television empire are based here. Sean Combs has a house in a suburb north of the city. The musicians Cee Lo Green, Ludacris and members of OutKast call it home. So does the music producer and rapper Jermaine Dupri.
Gladys Knight, an Atlanta native who was honored at the awards, which were taped Nov. 17, runs a chicken and waffle restaurant here. And it is not unusual to spot Usher at one of the city’s better restaurants.”
The Hawks’ biggest problem handicapping them in this situation: ownership. Regardless of what you think about the Atlanta Spirit, they are trying to sell the team and arena rights. (A potential sale to Alex Meruelo fell through four weeks ago.) Major trades, contracts, hirings and firings generally don’t happen when an ownership situation is in flux.
But this is a trade the Hawks need to pursue. As much as last year’s playoff showing was impressive — eliminating Orlando and taking Chicago to six games — few have a sense that this team could maneuver through the Eastern Conference, past Chicago, Miami and Boston, to get to the NBA finals.
Acquiring Howard is one huge step toward making that possible. He is worth any two players Orlando may want.
By Jeff Schultz
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204 comments Add your comment
Jeff Schultz
November 30th, 2011
1:30 pm
Mick Crysler — I’d hate to see Horford leave to but you have to give something to get something.
Jeff Schultz
November 30th, 2011
1:30 pm
Delbert D. — Geez, come on, man. I can’t write ONE blog that’s not football related? Trying to stretch a little here.
theight
November 30th, 2011
1:31 pm
Orlando can acutally have three of them. Take Joe, Marvin and AL. Try to keep Josh with Howard and that would be a hell of a superstar team. This is where the money will come flowing in. With those two players, Chris Paul would definitely make a push for the owners to come after him. Well anyway, doesn’t reality always sound so good. Too bad this wonderful dream won’t come true.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 30th, 2011
1:31 pm
Agree on all counts. I have been saying this for like a year now. I would prefer to hold on to Teague, but besides that any combination of players (more than two if necessary) should be made available. And the Hawks would really improve their chances of successfully completing a trade if they were willing to take on the contract of Turkoglu as well.
Jeff Schultz
November 30th, 2011
1:32 pm
Harpie — So I take it you weren’t impressed by Larry Drew in the playoffs?
SteveW
November 30th, 2011
1:35 pm
Been saying that since last season…JJ and Al for Dwight. Josh then re-signs with the Hawks. Unstoppable defensive frontcourt – and with Teague coming on at the Point, we have a team.
John Galt
November 30th, 2011
1:35 pm
Atlanta IS black LA. Howard can own it. Go get him.
GTT
November 30th, 2011
1:37 pm
Can’t argue with any of it. Do it. Also, let those glitterati buy the team.
theight
November 30th, 2011
1:38 pm
the ownership would also have to agree to pay either 1/4 or 1/2 or Joe Johnson’s contract in order for any other team to want to trade for him.
SteveW
November 30th, 2011
1:39 pm
Now if it was Josh and Al – I would make sure to have an agreement in place that Dwight would sign here. You could always re-sign Josh as a Free Agent in a couple of years. Could you imagine a backcourt of JJ and Teague, and ZaZa and Collins backing up Dwight in the Frontcourt? We’d need to sign a FA PF pretty quick however – Chucky Hayes, Reggie Evans, somebody
And I don’t believe all this talk about ASG not trading Josh. I think he get’s traded somewhere before he tests Free Agency in a couple of years, unless we get Dwight. I don’t think ASG likes Josh.
SteveW
November 30th, 2011
1:42 pm
Watching Dwight interviews in the past – I actually think he wants to come to ATL. He has said he doesn’t need to be a large market to become a national brand. He’s said ATL is home. I think he wants here. With LA or NY being next on his list.
Good Grief
November 30th, 2011
1:43 pm
“I don’t think ASG likes Josh.” – SteveW at 1:39
_____
I don’t think the ASG likes Atlanta, otherwise they wouldn’t have treated us like garbage for the last five years.
Negi Uno
November 30th, 2011
1:44 pm
@Najeh Davenpoop
In fact, I think it can also help out in finding an new owners for this team, bring back fans to Phillps and so much more. But then again, they are ASG, they would say that they are happy with the team with cheaper vets and etc, etc, etc.
Worldwide Clyde
November 30th, 2011
1:45 pm
How is ATL black when they won’t even let us have our own weekend. Bring Freaknik back.
Born2Buzz
November 30th, 2011
1:46 pm
This makes way to much sense for the Spirit to act on it. Sadly, we will continue to be a middle of the pack team.
Negi Uno
November 30th, 2011
1:48 pm
@crackbaby
Okay, so would you go after Chris Paul but not Howard?
iceHAWKcold11
November 30th, 2011
1:54 pm
Too much like right. The Hawks rarely do things right. This is good conversation but the reality is no one even wants to own the Hawks sad history of a franchise.
Jamal come back man you will be SORELY missed.
reality check
November 30th, 2011
1:56 pm
The local teams didn’t recruit him very well coming out of high school so I don’t expect the local franchise to recruit him now.
Go DAWGS beat those bengal tigers
Whopper Dawg
November 30th, 2011
1:59 pm
Take Joe Johnson………………please.
Dawglasville
November 30th, 2011
2:01 pm
I started blog screaming for this in the middle of last year’s season.
Trojan
November 30th, 2011
2:01 pm
Maybe the Hawks owners will at least try.
Nicker
November 30th, 2011
2:04 pm
Thank you Schultz.
My sentiments exactly.
I’ve been thinking this since the Hawks made began playing well a couple yrs ago.
I think Dwight would play EVEN BETTER by being at home. He could motivate the team, and most importantly the FANS.
You want to get my family in the seats?
Put Dwight on the floor for the Hawks.
He would be this generations ‘NIQUE.
Go big D! Come home to Hawks.
Ray
November 30th, 2011
2:06 pm
@ Woldwide Cycle
I agree with that statement the last one ya’ll had was garbage I had to hear that for about a week coming down here to Central GA and also on the news.
As for the go get Dwight if only he could come here on his own accord saying get out of his current contract at the end of the season it would be awesome to have Joe, Dwight, Josh and Al could you imagine that we don’t need CP3 we have Teague who I’m certain with more practice will turn out to be as good as a Rondo or Westbrook maybe even CP3 himself.
WitStream
November 30th, 2011
2:08 pm
I agree entirely, but no one could be stupid enough to take on JJ and JS and their contracts. It’s just incredible we have both of these losers in the same town.
Jeff Schultz
November 30th, 2011
2:08 pm
Cr***baby — Please change your screen name. I don’t like it.
NBA AM: Plenty of Trade Rumors Surfacing – HoopsWorld | Basketball News Pro
November 30th, 2011
2:15 pm
[...] Rumors: Dwight Howard to the New Jersey Nets Hinges on ExtensionBleacher ReportUSA Today -Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) -Orlando Sentinelall 177 news [...]
joe kill
November 30th, 2011
2:17 pm
are we stupid if we trade for howard our young core will be gone really if we get dwight we will lose jsmooth and al and maybe joe just say hypothetically that this deal is done where is our offense going to come from and dwight howard cant shoot free throws at lease al and josh can hit freethrows im so anti against this trade
bulldogmaniac
November 30th, 2011
2:27 pm
Don’t trade Horford. He is da future!
Smith and Johnson for Howard!!!!!!!!!! I’m all in!
honest_abe
November 30th, 2011
2:27 pm
one can dream.
Jeff Schultz
November 30th, 2011
2:29 pm
Here’s a link to a Josh Robbins story in the Orlando Sentinel on the possibility of the Magic dealing Howard: http://ht.ly/7KbmF
Bill
November 30th, 2011
2:29 pm
Jeff the Magic would take Horford (2 Nattys at Florida) plus Smith.But I believe the Magic would want a first round draft pick.
What are the odds of this elite ownership resigning Howard?I would say less than 10%.
Mr. Riley
November 30th, 2011
2:29 pm
First off, you have to have a ownership that is committed to winning and building a nucleus and currently we don’t have that with ASG…nice idea to think about though…
Jeff Schultz
November 30th, 2011
2:31 pm
Bill (and others) — Obviously you don’t make the trade without assurances of DH signing an extension.
5150 UOAD
November 30th, 2011
2:31 pm
Howard has said more than once that he hates ATLANTA. His dad is still the DA and it would suck to have to prosecute your own son for being stupid. I would love Howard, but he has no interest in being in the ATL. Any idea how many old FRIENDS would be hitting him up for Favors and hanging on?
Ray
November 30th, 2011
2:31 pm
What is everyone’s real gripe with J-smoove cause we all know Al and JJ won’t sale the seats so if you get rid of J-smoove that place would be a ghost town.
Plus most of the defensive pressure comes from Smoove when he’s on the court he might not play as hard as he could, but still when he’s on the court it changes many opposing teams dynamics.
5150 UOAD
November 30th, 2011
2:33 pm
Wow we are discussing the WORST pro sport on the planet owned by the worst owners on the planet. WHO really wants to play in ATL?
marshall
November 30th, 2011
2:34 pm
How do u afford it .this is how,Give him part of the team.
Grandmaster JeJe
November 30th, 2011
2:39 pm
This blog probably took 15 minutes max to write. Not to mention I’ve mentioned this idea on AJC many times as a casual thought
Yeah good luck competing with a core of Dwight Josh and Marvin.
In case you didn’t realize, Orlando has had some LOADED rosters before and never won. Go look at their 09-10 roster..
SMDH
Grandmaster JeJe
November 30th, 2011
2:42 pm
Jeff Schultz
November 30th, 2011
1:24 pm
Mike — In your scenario, Hawks obviously would either bring in other players to support Howard and/or re-sign Jamal. But yes, there’s the possibility of taking a hit for a year before moving forward.
LinkReport this comment
Who would we sign, Mr. Schultz? The biggest player we have SIGNED in the last 5 years is Mo Evans.
Good Grief
November 30th, 2011
2:43 pm
Honestly, Jeff, it doesn’t matter to me what they do. As a matter of principle, I refuse to go into Philips Arena again until the ASG are no longer associated with it in anyway. Yes, this is because of what they did with the Thrashers. No marketing, no attempts at building a winning roster, and then selling the team and letting them go away for $120 million, after giving a single basketball player a six year deal for $119 million. That’s why I despise the ASG.
Lou Hudson
November 30th, 2011
2:45 pm
I finished my career with a great club the Los Angeles Lakers and so should Howard so he should go to the Lakers.
david
November 30th, 2011
2:56 pm
Please remember who still owns the Hawks.
Bama Mike
November 30th, 2011
2:58 pm
We can still dream. But when the Reality O Lever turns on your still talking about having to deal with the ASG and Rick Sund. Whom it does not appear that any quality players respect.
ryan
November 30th, 2011
3:02 pm
ASG has to make the trade for Howard they no longer have the Thrashers breathing down there necks the only way this ownership can make peace with the fans is to bring him home he wants to play with friend Josh Smith .
JSS
November 30th, 2011
3:04 pm
1st Drive-by Hawks blog of the new season!
I hate trades in your own division… If you trade for Howard, the only pieces that can’t go away are Josh and Teague… The rest, good riddance!
Section 303
November 30th, 2011
3:07 pm
What a stupid article.
Grandmaster JeJe
November 30th, 2011
3:09 pm
Schultz thinks reuniting Smoove and Dwight will make us go further in the Playoffs. LOL
Stuart
November 30th, 2011
3:17 pm
I saw on ESPN today that Atlanta is one of the few teams (reportedly) that Chris Paul would accept a trade to and sign a long term deal with. Any chance the Hawks would try to trade for CP3? If so, who would they likely deal?
judy
November 30th, 2011
3:18 pm
This sounds great just as long as they keep Joe!!!!!!! He is are best player!!!! I can’t wait until the games begin. A true Hawks an Braves fan!!!!!!!!!!!!
newkid
November 30th, 2011
3:23 pm
SteveW, for what it’s worth, your suspicion is correct.