When NBA free agency begins at the end of the month, the market will be highlighted by Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. Both appear to be unhappy with their current situations and could look to make jumps to other teams in favor of winning a championship. Could that jump be to the same team? If the two All-Stars had it their way, it will be.
According to NBA sources, both Howard and Paul have been in constant communication during the offseason, sharing their thoughts and plans on the upcoming free agency period. They have considered the option of playing together, joining forces with another player much like the situation in Miami. If a team can make it happen, they will likely hop on. But is there a team that can afford the move?
The Atlanta Hawks are thinking they could be the team to make it happen. They currently have the cap space to sign both players to maximum-salaried contracts. The issue is that Howard is not keen on returning to his hometown team. However, if Paul were to sign with the Hawks, it could persuade Howard to sign as well.
Another issue is if Paul really intends on leaving the Clippers. It has been well-reported that Paul was unhappy with the Clippers coaching situation and being perceived as the reason Vinny Del Negro was fired. Team sources report that Paul enjoys living in Los Angeles and likes his teammates on the Clippers. Could Howard just sign on with the Clippers? It could happen, but the likelihood of the Lakers letting Howard walk away to the Clippers would probably never happen.
Chris Broussard of ESPN reports that there are whispers of a trade package being put together of Blake Griffin and Eric Bledsoe in return for Howard. Most people in the Clippers organization view Griffin as untouchable, but entertained the idea back in 2012.
This is not the first time that Paul and Howard have considered teaming up together. During the lockout in 2011, both players toyed with the idea of signing with the Dallas Mavericks together. However, Howard decided to play out the final year of his contract in Orlando, making the move fall apart. With the current situation with the payroll in Dallas, the possibility of the two being teammates with the Mavericks might be impossible.
