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
Lord
November 30th, 2011
3:25 pm
You’re right, Jeff!
The Hawks should trade Josh and Al for Dwight! Marvin and Hinrich for Lebron!
Beachy and Hinske for Pujols!
AJC is awesome!!
stillsuperior
November 30th, 2011
3:30 pm
Great idea.
SWAT Native
November 30th, 2011
3:30 pm
Michael “Ice Man” Cunningham? I love it! I’m going to start calling him that!
newkid
November 30th, 2011
3:31 pm
@SteveW: “Watching Dwight interviews in the past – I actually think he wants to come to ATL.”
Don’t be surprised.
stillsuperior
November 30th, 2011
3:32 pm
But It is not happening. We should try and make a deal with one of the small market teams that are pissed because they did not get the CBA they wanted like the Bucks for Bogut.
Hawks2012
November 30th, 2011
3:32 pm
Agree 100% they should, but today I looked back at the playoffs last year and if they played with that intensity (not likely) for this year… they would probably win 52ish games. We have a lot of talent, especially in that #0 Jeff Teague, but if the opportunity presents itself let’s trade for Dwight. I’d imagine he would like to play with Jsmoove.
rocky
November 30th, 2011
3:41 pm
Jeff S. — Why in the world would Orlando want to take up Joe’s contract? If DH is traded — it would be for Josh Smith/Al Horford.
bill
November 30th, 2011
3:47 pm
I think Mr. Schultz has forgotten who owns this team…a great trade in theory, but it’s only a dream while the ASG is in charge.
Grimmshaw
November 30th, 2011
3:49 pm
Trade Johnson and Smith, but please keep Horford. From what I’ve seen Horford is a class act on and off the court.
David Smith
November 30th, 2011
4:03 pm
I agree with Gerhart76. I would love to have Howard come back home to play for the home team but three things will prevent this potential deal happening. 1. The ASG and Rick Sund want no part of a deal that would put them over the luxury tax, 2. Dwight has openly said that he wants to play for a bigger market team that would give him a chance to win a title, and 3. We simply don’t have enough pieces to offer Orlando much less anyone else to bring a star player here without giving up too much. Dwight would love playing with his buddy Josh Smith but the contract The ASG gave Joe Johnson last year will make getting anyone we pursue a challenge.
Child Please
November 30th, 2011
4:07 pm
Schultz, I can’t stop laughing at this headline. We don’t have 2 players worth D. Howard; now get serious.
Ray
November 30th, 2011
4:09 pm
I support Jeff Teague we don’t need someone like Chris Paul he’s a good player, but at least give the Jeff Teague experiment maybe 2 seasons at best we saw glimpses in the playoffs of what he could do.
boomboomjoe79
November 30th, 2011
4:16 pm
Jeff I love your thought process and sympathize with you. But, you know and I know,thisakes too much sense to pursue. Given the hawks (generally rick sund & asg) history,there going to make the stupidiest move ever. Doesn’t matter if it improves the team or not, just as long as its idiotic is all that counts for the hawks management & ownership. So, as an hawks fan that sat back and watched the worst contract ever given to a supar player in joe johnson unfold in front of my eyes, this will never happen cause it makes too much sense.
Negi Uno
November 30th, 2011
4:20 pm
@Ray
I support Teague, but he has never was a full stater and with Coach Drew on that beach, he will be going to Hinrich, every chance that Teague mess. Besides CP III is a type of player that Hawks need. A All-NBA PG and true leader on and off the court.
J
November 30th, 2011
4:29 pm
does it surprise anybody that a UGA person made a comment that they hate the ASG and will ever spend a dime in Philips? I mean, we already know you will never spend a dime here regardless … haha, lame comment
J
November 30th, 2011
4:31 pm
we can dream of getting Dwight Howard but it’s not going to happen … not even why we should waste our time commenting on it. It’s the same media crap as us getting Amare or us getting Iverson awhile back or us getting Shaq.
meh
November 30th, 2011
4:36 pm
Howard should buy the team and then trade for himself
Ray
November 30th, 2011
4:36 pm
@ Negi Uno
After what happened these past playoffs I think a lot of people will be screaming at LD for at least not giving Teague a chance. I honestly think anything against Teague is false most of the coaches to try and save their jobs try not to play the younger members much because they are “you’re fired” bait basically, but if you don’t play them and they get to another team 50/50 chance they turn into something big then it reflects heavily on the coach that chased them away.
Teague is able to hold his own against many of the PG’s in the league although he needs work on his shot that will come.
ryan
November 30th, 2011
4:45 pm
Chris Paul chatter seems interesting from hearing a lot people that he is buying a home in Atlanta and evens says that Hawks is a team he would like to play for only rumor right now we keep hearing is the Knicks .
cdog
November 30th, 2011
4:51 pm
this is a common sense trade.make it quickly.don’t mess around and let the lakers, celtics, heat or mavs get him.he belongs with the hawks.there is no player or players on the hawks roster that can come close to dwight howard. make the trade for him now, point blank.
James
November 30th, 2011
5:11 pm
Great idea but Joe Johnson has to go,if not to Orlando any other team is fine.Is there any team that would take on that contract? It just makes too much sense for the Sprirt to pull the trigger on this one.
DirtyBird87
November 30th, 2011
5:15 pm
DH is a vet. He has paid his dues. He’s looking to win NOW. If I were in his shoes im looking for a premade championship team. He’s not gonna want to start all over in a place like ATL.
DirtyBird87
November 30th, 2011
5:24 pm
Plus we’ve seen him get shut down in the playoffs …. by ATL! He’s simply a marketing tool. ATL not gonna win a championship with DH as the center piece.
Dante
November 30th, 2011
5:29 pm
First, the CBA would affect Howard next year as I dont think it takes effect until the 2013/14 season. I may be wrong. Second, Why would Orlando want any of those two combinations.? They are horrible. Sorry, I know you are a homer, but those guys are not superstars, they are barely stars. Good luck with your pipe dream. Hawks will be horrible this season.
joe
November 30th, 2011
5:36 pm
the can not happen for the hawks. The key to the deal for Orlando is getting rid of Turkaloo contract. The Hawks do not have the salary space
Gary
November 30th, 2011
5:38 pm
No team in their right mind would take JJ’s contract. We are stuck with him, but he can create shots. As long as we have someone to hit the open 3’s created when teams double team Howard, we can be a very good team. I would hate to lose Horford, though, and that’s who Orlando would want.
"Chef" Tim Dix
November 30th, 2011
5:43 pm
I would trade 7 for him and make Gearon a starter.
Forest (Gump)
November 30th, 2011
6:14 pm
Who do I need to talk to so that this can happen!!! Superman In The ATL!!!
alex
November 30th, 2011
6:36 pm
you dreaming Jeff, it not going to happen 100%, better find the way to trade asg out for any price with prohibition to be not close to Atlanta as 1000 ml, and do it asap because as thrashers gone hawks in danger becoming st. louis hawks again because of this clowns ruling.
stillsuperior
November 30th, 2011
6:40 pm
The Magic are going to trade Dwight to us right after the Lakers trade Kobe to Boston. (LMAO) Seriously guys. Let’s focus on something feasible like Kaman or Bogut.
Zaza, Kirk, and 2 2nd round picks for Kaman and Bledsoe
Zaza, Kirk, and a 1st round pick for Bogut
Both feasible for the following reasons:
Clippers are going to have to choose between DeAndre Jordan and Kaman, they are not paying both of those guys starters salary. So, Kaman will walk at the end of the year and they will get nothing in return if they don’t trade him.
Bucks may want to move Bogut and definitely would like to cut payroll and getting Zaza and Kirk’s expiring plus a #1 would let them cut payroll get a #1 pick and serviceable C.
James
November 30th, 2011
7:22 pm
@ 5150 UOAD
His dad is not Fulton County DA Paul Howard,that’s his uncle.His dad’s brother.
Sam
November 30th, 2011
7:22 pm
Amazing video of a high school senior from Columbia TN who kicks the ball dead straight 75-80 yards in the air. He was successful on 54 of 54 attempts this season….100%. Now he needs a college team. Wants to go to Georgia Tech!!!
Watch for yourself…it is unreal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_JKwgwFY3g
James
November 30th, 2011
7:35 pm
I heard today that New Jersey(soon to be Brooklyn) will offer Brook Lopez and two first round picks to Orlando.I just get this feeling he will wind up a Laker.After Jerry West did his old team a favor by sending Paul Gasol to the Lakers for Javaris Crittenton,Kwame Brown and pocket change I believe anything can happen.
Burdell
November 30th, 2011
7:51 pm
Vote to ban Sam.
Wow
November 30th, 2011
8:14 pm
Do you have any REAL hawks news or just making a request to Santa? Anybody can write this stuff. How about some news????
Snoop Graham
November 30th, 2011
8:57 pm
It’s nice to dream but there’s no way Orlando would take on Joe Johnson’s contract. Plus any package involving Josh Smith would at best bring J.J. Reddick.
Z-Ro
November 30th, 2011
8:59 pm
i dont see how dwight and Al could coexist in the paint Al has a decent 15ft’er but i dont want him out there all the time…dwight and Joe would get into a fight over joe’s EMPTY chest during the playoffs!!….dwight and josh would give josh reason to go outside and shoots those jumpers we all moan and groan about BUT at least he has balls enough to take them BYE AL AND JOE!!!
NBA talk is finally about action on the court – USA Today | Basketball News Pro
November 30th, 2011
9:05 pm
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DawgNole
November 30th, 2011
9:09 pm
Ban Sam! Ban Sam! Ban Sam!
C’mon, everybody now . . . “Ban Sam! Ban Sam! Ban Sam!”
stizz
November 30th, 2011
9:18 pm
I would be ok with JJ and Horford, but not Horford and Smoove. Both are still under 25 and are the future. JJ, Horford, and a 1st and call it a day.
Angie O'Plasty
November 30th, 2011
9:20 pm
Are you kidding me ??? Howard is from Loserville USA, he won’t be coming here to play….no way !
Another GM
November 30th, 2011
9:39 pm
Jeff what did I say that got my post deleted?
I stated that the Hawks will do nothing but sign vet minimum players.
I would bet on the above statement.
Air Zaza
November 30th, 2011
9:57 pm
While I wouldn’t trade Horford for CP3 or Deron ever, I would trade him for Howard.
brigadierjerry
November 30th, 2011
10:14 pm
I will say this about Dwight Howard. Do I like Howard and want him on my team?Yes but I will say this He’s dominating because of the lack of Centers in the NBA.
All of the previous dominating Centers have won a Championship: Shaq,Duncan,Hakeem,Jabbar and WIlt. This dude hasn’t won jack chit yet. He’s just a big overgrown baby who likes to pound the rock and have everyone stop and watch him dunk. He ain’t ever winning a championship… yeah I said it!
He couldn’t carry Kareem’s jock strap… Tim Duncan was 1000x the player Dwight howard is. He’s only in the NBA because of his size, period.Dwight Howard wouldn’t even be a guaranteed starter 15 years ago
Big Dog
November 30th, 2011
10:15 pm
D.Howard has made it clear that Josh is his boy, they roll together and have the talent to take the hawks to the highest. If they get their wish the will play with full intensity and absolutely expect to win. There is a reason they tape so many commercials together. Theyve been buddies all their lives. Let them play together like they want to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rVIU8fJQ8w
http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-hawks/2011/8/11/2358262/dwight-howard-adidas-commercial-josh-smith
Roy
November 30th, 2011
10:21 pm
In all honesty I think if orlando was to trade howard it would have to be for Al and a combination of players and picks. Dont feel orlando will take just smoove and horford. Horford has bigger upside.
Big Dog
November 30th, 2011
10:49 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eomAsZ-evE&feature=related
Lets ball!
Big Dog
November 30th, 2011
10:52 pm
OK last one…. trout sandwich ya’ll
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKHUaTIsPjM&feature=related
Rationale
November 30th, 2011
11:19 pm
As little as I like Joe Johnson, I just got to thinking, Howard is one of the few NBA players who could come here and make Joe Johnson a better player. I can see him adjusting Johnson’s attitude. Male the offer and the trade.
Rationale
November 30th, 2011
11:22 pm
Of course, that should be “make the offer and the trade.” but try to keep Horford too.