HoopsHype.com Rumors

The Hawks may have violated the NBA’s anti-tampering policy by mentioning Dwight Howard and Chris Paul by name in a recent letter sent to prospective ticket buyers. Atlanta native Howard and Paul are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents July 1. As each are currently under contract, with the Lakers and Clippers respectively, a team is not allowed to speak about them publically. The letter, obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, was sent via e-mail from one member of the ticket sales department. It was on team letterhead and headlined “Hot New Player news: Chris Paul and Dwight Howard.” It began with the statement: “The buzz around our offseason is more than heating up. With massive cap space, 4 draft picks, and free agency rapidly approaching, we sit in the best position in the NBA. Player interest is skyrocketing as the possibilities of landing Chris Paul & Dwight Howard become more and more of a reality.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard 

While Howard reportedly has strong interest in the Houston Rockets and could be courted by Dallas, Atlanta, Golden State and Cleveland, Bryant is in no rush to be the first to pitch the All-Star center to come back to L.A. "For me, you kind of let him do his due diligence and then move in and talk to him and figure out if this is a place he wants to be," Bryant said. "We all want him here. But then that's when the selling begins [after Howard is courted by other teams]. You don't start the selling process right before he goes and does all this stuff. You want to get the last word. You want to have the final word and the closing argument. "I'll give him a little opening statement, but then I have to make sure I have the final word." ESPN.com

Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Free Agency, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard 

He would sign a five-year deal worth $118 million with the Lakers, as opposed to a four-year deal worth $87.6 million with any other teams.Once he becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1, Howard still plans to test the open market and views the Lakers, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta and Golden State as possible considerations. "I haven't talked to him," Gasol said. "I think he has to make the decision. It's a big decision. We'll see what he ends up deciding. I understand he's going to take his time and I'm sure he's going to continue to do that. It's his future and his life. You have to respect that." Los Angeles Daily News

Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard 

A source familiar with Howard’s thought process has said he has currently been considering the Lakers, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors, though nothing remains binding. Howard could re-sign with the Lakers to a five-year deal worth $118 million, as opposed to a four-year contract worth $87.6 million with any other team. Los Angeles Daily News

Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Dwight Howard 

Meanwhile, the Lakers could trade Gasol or waive him through the amnesty clause to rid themselves of his $19.3 million both in salary and luxury taxes. Part of the uncertainty surrounding to Gasol’s future relates to Howard. The Lakers wouldn’t want to deal Gasol right away in case Howard walks, leaving the Lakers without two talented big men. Los Angeles Daily News

Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Trade, Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard 

Gasol has said politely within the past two years he’d love to stay with the Lakers, no matter the frustrations he’s met with a reduced role under both Mike Brown and Mike D’Antoni. But the Lakers forward said he won’t outwardly plead to Dwight Howard to stay. “I haven’t talked to him,” Gasol said Monday at the Boys & Girls Club in downtown Los Angeles to promote his newly launched self-named foundation. “I think he has to make the decision. It’s a big decision. We’ll see what he ends up deciding. I understand he’s going to take his time and I’m sure he’s going to continue to do that.” Los Angeles Daily News

Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard 

While Howard has reportedly strong interest in the Houston Rockets and could be courted by Dallas, Atlanta, Golden State and Cleveland, Bryant is in no rush to be the first to pitch the All-Star center to come back to L.A. "For me, you kind of let him do his due diligence and then move in and talk to him and figure out if this is a place he wants to be," Bryant said. "We all want him here. But then that's when the selling begins (after Howard is courted by other teams). You don't start the selling process right before he goes and does all this stuff. You want to get the last word. You want to have the final word and the closing argument. I'll give him a little opening statement, but then I have to make sure I have the final word." ESPN.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard 

Peter Vecsey: If Rockets are unable to recruit Dwight Howard, I'm told second preference is Josh Smith. Sixers also targeting Smith, says a source Twitter @PeterVecsey1

Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, Free Agency, Dwight Howard, Josh Smith 

"It's free agency and I have the opportunity to choose where I'm going to play," he said. "God opens doors, and I'm relying on my faith to direct me. "I don't think it's fair I get criticized for waiting on such an opportunity." Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Dwight Howard 

But what does he want in a team? "I want to win; I've done everything else," he said. "I just want to win." Can the Lakers win? "Any team I am on can win," he said with a grin, "but nice try." Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Dwight Howard 

What was never explicitly said, but also seemed to hang heavy in the air was the uncertainty in the Lakers' front office, with Jim and Jeanie Buss. "I want to see what each opportunity offers," Howard said. "I want to see how people plan on winning." "So will I be seeing you next season?" I concluded. "I'm always a phone call or tweet away," he said, while whistling and moving on. Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Dwight Howard 

We talked about Mike D'Antoni, why Howard hasn't committed to the Lakers and his plans to work with former NBA sharpshooter Chris Mullin. We also chatted about his desire to make movies. "Maybe 'Kazaam II'," he joked in reference to Shaq's bomb. "Actually I'm working right now on some stuff with Disney." "Do they have a Disney studio in Houston?" I asked. "Time to shoot free throws," said Howard. Los Angeles Times

Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Mike D'Antoni, Dwight Howard, Chris Mullin 

"You just can't please people," Howard said. "I catch fish and it's a problem. People were upset I was out having fun; they thought I should be sitting in a room all upset because we lost. "I am upset, but I'm not going to stop living life. "I couldn't watch the playoffs I was so ticked. Everywhere I went I saw a Tim Duncan jersey, and you know how much I hated that." Los Angeles Times

San Antonio Spurs, Dwight Howard, Tim Duncan 

So what do you think of D'Antoni? "I love him," he said. "He's a great person." Is he a great coach? "He's a great person and I'm glad we had the opportunity to be together," said Howard, which some will undoubtedly interpret as goodbye. Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Lakers, Coaching, Mike D'Antoni, Dwight Howard 

Alex Kennedy: I've heard that Dwight Howard will meet with every potential suitor. That means Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, etc. He'll weigh every option. Twitter @AlexKennedyNBA

Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Dwight Howard 

Alex Kennedy: At this point, Houston is definitely the frontrunner for Dwight Howard. He's leaning toward the Rockets, but we'll see what happens in July. Twitter @AlexKennedyNBA

Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Dwight Howard 

Alex Kennedy: Dwight Howard has already talked to James Harden, according to multiple sources. I believe he has spoken to Chandler Parsons as well. Twitter @AlexKennedyNBA

Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Dwight Howard, James Harden, Chandler Parsons 

Van Gundy, a self-proclaimed Houston enthusiast, definitely sees the draw for Howard to play for the Rockets’ organization. “Houston is an enticing place. One, to live, financially it’s enticing. The team is extremely well-managed with (owner) Les (Alexander) and (general manager) Daryl (Morey) doing a tremendous job and then I think they are very well-coached. I think when you look at everything from a player’s perspective that may enter into it, Houston hits everything a player would want. You’re inserting Howard for, I suspect, (Omer) Asik and I think to consider it you’d have to consider obviously trading him and what you could get for Asik but Dwight is a heck of a player.” CBS Local

Houston Rockets, Free Agency, Dwight Howard, Jeff Van Gundy 

How well would Howard fit in with Harden and the Rockets? “You see Dwight Howard’s greatest strengths will always be defense and rebounding. He is a limited offensive player that is a very good pick and roll screener and then very effective roller to the basket. That’s how Houston plays now. He would fit in very well but if he wants the ball brought to him on the block 20 times a game, like Kevin McHale used to get it brought to him back in his Boston heyday, then that would be detrimental to the Rockets. It would be detrimental to their team, the win and loss departments. So it all depends on how Howard wants to fit.” CBS Local

Houston Rockets, Free Agency, Dwight Howard, Jeff Van Gundy 

Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert has been a force as his team battles the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Former Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy went on radio Thursday to remind listeners that Dwight Howard is a better center than Hibbert. "Come on, that one's not close," said Van Gundy on Open Mike with Mike Bianchi on am740 the Game, "You could put that question to 30 general managers in the league -- and give them the choice -- and Indiana, out of loyalty, might take Hibbert although I would doubt it. The other 29 would not even hesitate. Everybody's taking Dwight." Los Angeles Times

Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Dwight Howard, Roy Hibbert, Stan Van Gundy