The Dwight Howard free agency period has begun and teams are already making it known where they stand on the All-Star center. As a drama-filled year with the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up, an even crazier offseason is set to begin. While reports indicate Howard could easily end up back in Hollywood, he certainly will not be shy when it comes to talking to other teams about their interests in him. As the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets are on the "very interested" side of the list, the Los Angeles Clippers are taking themselves out of contention.
CBSSports.com reports the Clippers are not one of the possible suitors for Howard so anyone that was dreaming of Chris Paul hooking up with Howard will be very disappointed. The decline in interest is not at all surprising considering the Lakers would not be able to manage a sign and trade deal and still get assets back from the Clippers due to CBA changes that will go into effect this offseason. Also, the Lakers would not dare send Howard to a division rival. Plus, they do not have the cap space to sign Howard to a deal that would be pleasing to him.
With six weeks to go until Howard is an unrestricted free agent, he has been vocal about not wanting a circus-like atmosphere to follow him like it did when he was departing from Orlando. As teams decide how they feel on the All-Star prior to the free agency period beginning, it might help lessen the media craze.
While the Clippers are no interested in bringing on Howard, the Atlanta Hawks certainly are. Danny Ferry and company are making Howard a top priority in the offseason and they think the first step in signing him is getting back one of his former coaches.
Stan Van Gundy has officially interviewed to be the new head coach for the Hawks. If Van Gundy were to get the job, he would likely be used as bait to get Howard. Both parties have reportedly maintained a good relationship despite the drama that happened during the end of their time in Orlando. Van Gundy is given most of the credit for the defensive star Howard has become. A reunion could help Howard get back on track after a roller coaster year in Los Angeles.
The Hawks will likely lose Josh Smith in free agency along with at least one other top player. They might not have the pieces to entice Howard to joining up with his hometown team. However, having Van Gundy would certainly give Atlanta a leg up on other competition.
