NBA trade deadline: 5 trade destinations for Dwight Howard

Howard is a native of Atlanta. Would the Rockets be willing to trade their starting center to the Hawks for Al Horford’s expiring contract?

Howard would absolutely re-sign with the Hawks if the Rockets were to trade him to Atlanta. Under head coach Mike Budenholzer, Howard could become the lockdown defensive anchor the Hawks need to win in the Eastern Conference Finals. If Howard is up to the challenge, he could join his hometown team to help with the City of Atlanta its first NBA Title.

Atlanta is in an interesting situation as its face of the franchise center Horford is going to enter free agency this offseason after nine strong years with the Hawks. Horford will command a maximum offer that the Hawks may not be willing to provide him with. Howard could even take less money to come home and play for his hometown team to close out his career.

This trade with the Hawks could aid both teams in the long-term, as Horford would bring some much-needed composure to the Rockets’ locker room, while Howard would give the Hawks the rim protection and defensive prowess they need down low to win a championship.

Atlanta is still a very good basketball team with Horford on its roster. However, if there is serious doubt that Horford won’t re-sign with Atlanta this upcoming summer, then perhaps considering a deal with the Rockets for Howard isn’t a bad second option for the Hawks going forward.