Dwight Howard to Hawks: Al Horford and Joe Johnson Enough for D12?

The Dwight Howard trade saga continues to engulf the NBA despite the Orlando Magic removing Howard from the trade block.

This time it’s being reported that the Atlanta Hawks were in trade discussions with the Magic about acquiring Howard in exchange for Josh Smith and Joe Johnson. Interestingly enough, the trade talks fell apart on Orlando’s end.

This news comes after the recent revelation that the Magic aren’t seeking young talent in exchange for Howard, a smart strategy employed by New Orleans when losing Chris Paul. Instead the Magic are looking for veteran talent that will keep the team in playoff contention.

This way of thinking is a direct result of a brand new arena and an aging owner.

So the Hawks offer fits what Orlando wants, to a degree. Joe Johnson is a veteran shooting guard that comes with a $124 million contract. Johnson is a 10-year pro with his best years behind him. However, he is exactly the type of player the Magic are looking to acquire.

It is unlikely that Josh Smith would actually be traded to Orlando. It makes no sense for Atlanta to give up Smith when he will be a valuable bargaining chip when attempting to get Howard to re-sign with the Hawks.

Smith also makes no sense for Orlando when they could have All-Star center Al Horford. Horford is only 25 and is immensely popular in Orlando because of his collegiate days with the University of Florida and helping bring the state two National Championships.

Horford is the type of player Orlando could build around.

Obviously Horford and Johnson wouldn’t be enough for Howard. Atlanta would have to throw in draft selections, as well as possibly bring a third team into the deal to further compensate Orlando.

What makes these trade discussions most interesting is the fact that Orlando even entertained them. Atlanta is a divisional foe, and it’s hard to imagine Orlando wants to have to play Howard consistently for the next decade.

One thing is for certain: Orlando’s options continue to grow the longer the organization waits to trade Howard. While the waiting game may burn the Magic, right now it is paying off.

Orlando should continue to have plenty of options to rebuild the franchise after Howard’s departure, now it’s just a matter of selecting the right option.