Chris Paul, Dwight Howard In Talks About Becoming Teammates
By John Adair
The blueprint for championship success is out. When Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh all decided to play for the Miami Heat in favor of winning multiple championships, the rest of the league was forced to adapt. Now, more than ever, superstars across the NBA are teaming up to create opportunities for title runs rather than being the lone star on a mediocre team.
Chris Paul and Dwight Howard are set to become unrestricted free agents as of July 1, and the two superstars can walk from their current teams to play anywhere they wish. Howard and Paul have already talked about teaming up next season for a chance to compete for the NBA Championship ring that both lack at this stage of their career.
One big issue remains. Both are easily max-contract talents, and not many teams have the financial flexibility to offer two superstars the maximum, despite how much they may want to. The possibilities are limited, but the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Clippers are currently the front-runners at landing the superstar duo.
Atlanta could currently offer both Paul and Howard maximum contracts. However, Howard is not too highly on the idea of returning to play in his hometown, but would reportedly do so if Paul would join him.
Like Howard, Paul is not by any means jumping to leave the comfort of Los Angeles for Atlanta.
Both would prefer to join forces for the Los Angeles Clippers. Due to financial issues though, the Los Angeles Lakers would have to agree to a sign-and-trade deal for Howard, who they still wish to re-sign.
As for now, it remains as just talks between the two superstars. Teams that wish to pursue Howard, Paul, or both, must wait until the two become free agents on July 1st. While it may be difficult to make happen, the two would welcome with open arms the opportunity to play together.