Fansided

5 teams dumb enough to give Dwight Howard a max contract next year

By Rucker Haringey

Nov 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) scores a basket against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) scores a basket against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) reacts after being called for a foul against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) reacts after being called for a foul against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Charlotte Hornets

Dwight Howard certainly has a giant ego, and it could be massaged by a courtship from Michael Jordan. The Hornets are another team that could really jump in the Dwight Howard bidding war this offseason.

Charlotte is an interesting potential fit for Howard based on the possibility of Al Jefferson leaving town. Jefferson is on the downside of his career as the Hornets’ center and he’ll likely be gone after this year. Much like the Hawks situation with Al Horford, if Big Al leaves Charlotte there’s a huge hole at center for the team. There would also be a boatload of cap space to use in addressing it.

That’s a formula for interest in Howard. The Hornets also are a franchise that has historically struggled to attract marquee free agents. The fact that Howard’s market will be somewhat limited and he’s from relatively nearby Atlanta could make it an attractive destination for D12.

On the floor, he would join an intriguing nucleus. Presuming the Hornets are able to retain Nic Batum, they’d have a really solid core that could fit Howard in. They aren’t that far away from joining the East’s elite. Don’t forget that their strides this season have come with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist sidelined due to injury.

Howard to the Hornets could work on the floor, but it might also blow up what’s been really good locker room chemistry for head coach Steve Clifford. Signing him would give Charlotte the star it’s lacked since Alonzo Mourning left town.

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