NBA Trade Rumors: Atlanta Hawks Should Stay Away from Dwight Howard Deal

There have been multiple reports stemming out of Atlanta that Josh Smith wants to be traded, but this one from Atlanta-Journal Constitution writer Michael Cunningham breaks it all down.

ESPN's Nick Borgers also writes that the Atlanta Hawks could make a push for Dwight Howard. However, the Hawks need to stay away from that deal.

While the Hawks would love to have Howard, that deal would more than likely hurt them in the long run.

Let's take a look at four reasons why the Hawks should not trade for Howard.

The Hawks Would Likely Lose Their Two Best Players in That Deal

A trade for Dwight Howard would more than likely cost the Hawks Josh Smith and Al Horford.

Horford and Smith are the Hawks' best players, and key parts of the team the organization has built over the past few years.

If the Hawks were to receive Howard, but lose those two players then they would find themselves in a bit of a hole.

Joe Johnson would still be in Atlanta, but he and Howard alone are not enough to bring championships to the ATL.

The Hawks would be in a better situation if they were to keep their stars and continue building. If Smith decides that a trade is the only option for him, then the Hawks could probably bring in one or two young players that have a bright future.

This would add more momentum and potential to a team that could already be pretty good in years to come.

They May Not Be Able to Keep Dwight Howard in the Offseason

At this point, everyone knows that Howard wants out of Orlando. He has made it known that he wants to play in Dallas, Los Angeles or New Jersey.

If the Hawks were to acquire Howard now, then they may not be able to re-sign him to a long-term deal after the season ends.

The Hawks would undoubtedly love to bring Howard into Atlanta, but he could decide to leave as soon as he becomes a free agent.

Howard wants to be a Laker, Maverick or Net, and not many other teams have interested him thus far. In years past, players have not had much control in trades, but since Howard's contract ends after this year, he can somewhat decide where he goes.

Teams obviously will not be interested in a player that could be gone after this season, and the Hawks would be smart to join that group.

A Lot of Risk with Low Reward

Since Dwight Howard has such a desire to play for one of the three teams previously mentioned, the Hawks would be taking a huge risk if they were to trade for Howard.

At the end of the year, the Hawks could find themselves sitting without Al Horford, Josh Smith and Howard.

It would setback the franchise greatly if they traded away two of the organization's stars for a player that left a few months later.

Of course, there is a chance that the Hawks could trade for Howard and re-sign him. However, even if that deal did happen, the Hawks would more than likely not be in a position to challenge for an NBA title this year or next year.

Hawks Are Not Far Away from Being a Top Contender

The Atlanta Hawks would be much better staying away from Dwight Howard and adding a couple more pieces to their current roster.

It would be great if the Hawks and Josh Smith could smooth over their relationship, but even if Smith has to be dealt, then the team could get some young talent in return.

Instead of trading Smith and Horford for Howard, the Hawks would be much better served to trade Smith for two younger players.

The Hawks can also target a talented, young player in the draft and in a year or two could be a top contender.

Atlanta could likely set themselves back greatly by pursuing Howard, whereas if they stay still for another year they could find themselves near the top of the Eastern Conference.

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