However, you can expect Howard to look south this summer for a few reasons.
D-12 is from Atlanta, Georgia. Howard attended high school at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. For those that can't tell by the title of the school, that is in Atlanta, Georgia.
Where the Hawks are based.
While a return home may be ideal for some, we can't say that this factor will determine Howard's future. There is just as strong a chance that he decides that the money and allure that the Los Angeles Lakers can offer him is too much to turn down.
With that being said, we would be naive to believe that Howard won't, at least, consider the Hawks.
Atlanta is a team that has been preparing for a run at a superstar talent ever since they traded Joe Johnson and his $20,609,682 per year average contract. One has to imagine that Howard is at the top of their list.
After all, the city is familiar with D-12 and he is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
The question is, what will it be that Atlanta offers to Howard that no other team can? Considering L.A. owns his bird rights, money is not the answer to that question.
Well, not exactly.
Endless Cap Space
Entering the 2013 period of NBA free agency, the Atlanta Hawks will have just $21,513,122 guaranteed to current players. For those wondering what that leaves them, the luxury tax level for the 2012-13 season was $70,307,000.
Upon doing the math, that leaves the Hawks with a difference of $48,793,878. Expect a number in that ball park to be available for general manager Danny Ferry to spend.
Do you still think Dwight Howard won't consider it?
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
