May 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry takes questions while introducing Mike Budenholzer as the new head coach during a press conference at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
While there are a small handful of NBA teams who could sign both Chris Paul and Dwight Howard if they wanted to get crafty with their finances, the Atlanta Hawks have enough cap space to simply sign both outright. Apparently, that’s going to be their goal this offseason and they don’t mind breaking NBA rules to do so.
In a recent letter sent out to season ticket holders, the Hawks potentially violated the NBA’s anti-tampering policy by suggesting that they’re going to attempt to sign both Atlanta native Dwight Howard and Chris Paul.
Per the Atlanta Journal Constitution:
The Hawks may have violated the NBA’s anti-tampering policy by mentioning Dwight Howard and Chris Paul by name in a recent letter sent to prospective ticket buyers.
Atlanta native Howard and Paul are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents July 1. As each are currently under contract, with the Lakers and Clippers respectively, a team is not allowed to speak about them publically.
The letter, obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, was on team letterhead and headlined “Hot New Player news: Chris Paul and Dwight Howard.” It began with the statement: “The buzz around our offseason is more than heating up. With massive cap space, 4 draft picks, and free agency rapidly approaching, we sit in the best position in the NBA. Player interest is skyrocketing as the possibilities of landing Chris Paul & Dwight Howard become more and more of a reality.”
The Hawks are no stranger to to the NBA’s anti-tampering policy as they were one of the teams fined $25,000 in 2010 during the LeBron James free agent frenzy. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban holds the biggest anti-tampering fine at $100K.
