Dwight Howard (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks could be one of the possible destinations for Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard once he hits free agency this summer.
Howard has been a hot commodity before the Feb. 18 trade deadline for teams who are looking to improve their campaign for the 2015-2016 NBA regular season.
Pass trade deadline, Howard is still with the Rockets, but there is a great chance the three-time Defensive Player of the Year would opt out of his four-year $87 million contract next season and explore the market to possible earn a max contract from another NBA rival.
Howard has been linked to several offseason-suitors, but according to Sports Illustrated writer Nick Ziegler, the Hawks would be one option Howard could consider because of the homecoming-factor.
The Hawks are facing a situation of their own in upcoming free agent Al Horford, who will likely get offers from other teams once he becomes available in July. With Horford, almost certain to head elsewhere, Howard would be a fitting replacement in Atlanta playing alongside Paul Millsap.
"The Hawks may not be the best team in the Eastern Conference anymore, but they are still very good with a lot of good pieces on the roster," Ziegler wrote.
"If the Hawks decide not to re-sign Horford, or he goes elsewhere, Howard would certainly entertain the idea of heading back home."
Howard would provide the Hawks a solid defensive anchor to partner with Millsap's evolving elite offense at the four spot. Bringing in Howard would give Atlanta a lethal starting frontcourt which could be enough to rival other NBA powerhouses.
The Rockets' chances for a playoff spot this year are very slim, with the team holding tight to keep their place in the Western Conference's top eight teams. With a 33-33 record, Houston could miss the postseason, which could greatly contribute to Howard not signing back with the Rockets in the offseason.
But despite his looming free agency, the 30-year-old big man has claimed his main focus this season is to help the Rockets win more games to eventually earn a playoff berth.
"Right now my focus is on us winning and trying to get to the playoffs and win a championship," Howard said, reports the Houston Chronicle. "All the other stuff, it's not a factor now."
