Dwight Howard (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Dwight Howard could join the Charlotte Hornets this summer, while the Toronto Raptors may consider signing Luol Deng, according to the latest free agency rumors.
Howard and Deng, two of the notable free agents to hit the market this summer, could end up playing for another team next season. According to Bleacher Report's Josh Martin, Howard is predicted to sign with the Hornets, while Deng may take his talents to Toronto.
Howard, one of the top big men available in the market, seems a lock to leave the Houston Rockets after struggling last season, where he only averaged 13.7 points, his lowest since rookie season in Orlando. Mike D'Antoni's arrival also blurs the return of Howard, who was rumored to be unhappy playing second fiddle to James Harden.
The Hornets were reported as one of the "favorites" to acquire the former three-time Defensive Player of the year, with Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic, and Milwaukee Bucks also listed as the other candidates to sign Howard. But Martin noted that the Hornets may only be the team that "makes sense for Howard on several levels."
"Charlotte head coach Steve Clifford was a Howard confidant in Orlando and Los Angeles. The Hornets are located about as close to Howard's hometown of Atlanta as he'll find without suiting up for the Hawks. Their owner, Michael Jordan, has encouraged the front office to aggressively pursue stars and has willingly opened his checkbook for damaged goods with recognizable names (i.e., Al Jefferson and Lance Stephenson)." Martin wrote.
Al Jefferson, Charlotte's soon-to-be free agent center, has struggled to become the reliable big man the Hornets need, especially during the team's playoff run. Last season, Jefferson posted his lowest rebounding and scoring average in 10 years, with a measly 12.0 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Jefferson's game was also limited to the offensive end, which would make it even more logical for the Hornets to consider Howard in free agency.
Howard, despite being plagued by setbacks and injuries in the past few seasons, still has plenty left in his tank and could greatly contribute to a contending team. The Hornets were close to becoming a legitimate playoff contender last season, and adding Howard could be the right move towards another great season for Charlotte.
Meanwhile, Deng could be heading North in July, with the Raptors predicted as the 31-year-old's top destination.
Even if Deng highly considers a return to Miami, where he was effectively utilized by Erik Spoelstra as a second unit spark, Deng has little choice but to look at other teams, with the Heat presumably focusing on Hassan Whiteside and Dwyane Wade.
"Squeezing in Deng's contract could be tricky, but if the Raptors time things right, they could sign Deng to an eight-figure deal first, then exceed the salary cap to keep DeMar DeRozan," Martin noted.
Deng's value has probably decreased after a disappointing season with the Heat, only averaging 12.3 points, his lowest since his rookie year with the Chicago Bulls. But Deng's overall game was still in display, posting 6.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists.
Deng would be an upgrade to the Raptors' rotation of power forwards, mainly if the team plays small-ball lineup. However, there is no doubt the Raptors top priority is re-signing DeMar DeRozan, which would make little room to bring Deng as far as salary cap space. But if Deng would agree to take less money to play for a contender, it would be a high-reward signing for the Raptors.
