Atlanta Hawks Tried to Trade for Dwight Howard

By: Jimmy Beck              

December 29, 2011

The Atlanta Hawks made an attempt to trade for the Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard.  The Hawks tried to acquire Dwight Howard earlier this month, while the Magic were actively pursuing trades for their franchise player.  According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Michael Cunningham the Hawks deal was in place but it did not include a commitment from Howard that he would exercise his contract opt-in for next season or sign a long term deal.  This was a very essential part of the trade for Dwight the Hawks wanted Howard to commit to being with the team for a long time. 

The players that were involved in the trade are somewhat unknown.  However, it is believed that the centerpiece of the trade would have been Al Horford because of his popularity in Florida.  Horford played at the University of Florida and was part of team that won a National Championship for the Gators in the Georgia Dome in 2007.  He is appealing for a variety of reasons his close association to the state of Florida, his young age, and his talent level. 

At this point the Orlando Magic has stated that they are no longer trying to trade Dwight Howard.  Now you can’t tell me that if the right deal is proposed to them that they won’t accept it.  If they openly express interest in trying to move Dwight expect the Hawks to try to get a deal done.  This would be a huge trade for the Hawks if they could make this happen.  It would ignite the fan base and the city of Atlanta!  The Hawks need to get this done if they can within reason.  They need to learn from the Braves mistake a couple of seasons ago of renting Mark Teixeria and not do anything close to that. 

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