NBA Trade Rumors: Atlanta Hawks Are Perfect Match for Dwight Howard

There are still more questions than answers when it comes to Dwight Howard's situation with the Orlando Magic. One team that hasn't been mentioned until recently is the Atlanta Hawks. They would be a terrific fit for the All-Star defensive wizard.

Ken Berger of CBS Sports reported Orlando is looking for a massive return, similar to what the New York Knicks dealt for Carmelo Anthony last season, if they decide to move Howard. He also mentioned the Hawks as a potential sleeper team to acquire him:

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But a more serious contender could emerge in the coming days: the Hawks, who are dealing with disgruntled should-be All-Star Josh Smith’s own reported trade request.

Smith and Al Horford would represent a coup for the Magic considering the alternative of losing Howard for nothing, and Atlanta is Howard’s hometown, where he attended Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy.

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Having the hometown edge should give the Hawks a good selling point to Howard, especially when it comes to working out a long-term contract extension. There's no way they could deal Smith and Horford without some type of commitment in place.

Howard wants to be the main man wherever he lands. There isn't another city in the league where he would be a bigger star than Atlanta. Returning to where his career started to be the team's building block would make him a hero.

His supporting cast would also be solid. Joe Johnson is an ideal second scoring threat to keep teams from focusing too much defensive pressure on Howard. Then there's promising young point guard Jeff Teague and athletic swingman Marvin Williams.

The roster wouldn't be on the same level as the Miami Heat, but it's a good start. The Hawks could fill whatever voids are left once the dust settles.

It's also a good deal for the Magic. If they continue to hold out hope Howard will sign an extension, they run a serious risk of getting burned at season's end. They can't afford to let their best player walk away for nothing.

Smith and Horford would be more than fair value considering Orlando has backed itself into a corner. Both players have the potential to be key pieces to a contender.

All told, it seems like the best option for everybody involved. The Hawks get a franchise cornerstone, the Magic get two valuable contributors instead of nothing and Howard gets to go home. There won't be another offer on the table that would seemingly work out so well for each side.

So, while the Hawks might be joining the Howard sweepstakes late, don't count them out.