NBA Trade Rumors: Why Magic Must Get Al Horford in Dwight Howard Deal with Hawks

Center Dwight Howard continues to be a member of the Orlando Magic, but that hasn't stopped trade rumors from persisting. One fairly new candidate that has emerged is the Atlanta Hawks, but if they aren't willing to part with big man Al Horford then the Magic shouldn't listen.

According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the Hawks offered guard Joe Johnson and swingman Josh Smith for the perennial All Star. While it wasn't a terrible offer by any means, the Magic were smart not to take it as they can probably hold out for something better.

In rumored deals with the New Jersey Nets and Los Angeles Lakers, respectively, the Magic would be getting a promising young center in return for Howard in either Brook Lopez or Andrew Bynum. With that in mind, the Magic would have to get Horford from the Hawks to even consider making a trade.

Horford has developed into one of the best young interior players in the game, as he averaged around 15 points and 10 rebounds per game last season while holding great percentages from the floor and the charity stripe. He is obviously no Howard on the defensive end, but at least Orlando could maintain the integrity of its offense with him aboard.

Smith would also be a nice get for the Magic, as he is very versatile and can replace some of what Howard brings to the defensive end in terms of shot blocking and rebounding. As far as Johnson goes, however, the Magic need him like they need the plague.

Johnson obviously still has something left in the tank and he can take over a game when he's on a hot streak, but his numbers took a big hit last season and he's still owed $124 million at the age of 30. If Orlando is going to trade Howard, they have to get good players with advantageous cap numbers in return.

If the Hawks aren't willing to give up Horford then Orlando would probably be better off trading with the Nets or the Lakers, because it seems pretty apparent that both teams are ready to part with young bigs. Provided Bynum continues to dominate as he has, the Magic have to jump at the chance to get him in particular.

The Magic have to make a choice with regards to trading Howard and they can't wait too long or else they risk losing the upper hand in any negotiations. At the same time, though, there's no reason to jump on the first available deal if something better can be had.

I don't think Atlanta is desperate enough to move both Horford and Smith for Howard, but there is nothing keeping the Magic from asking for that type of package. Howard is the best center in the game by a huge margin, so Orlando must be compensated as such in a trade.