Dallas out, Warriors still in running for Dwight Howard
The Lakers are still in the chase but the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly out of the picture in the bidding for free-agent center Dwight Howard.
The Mavericks are no longer in the running, according to a tweet from ESPN’s Marc Stein.
Dallas Mavericks have been officially notified they are out of Dwight Howard Sweepstakes, sources tell ESPN — Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 5, 2013
One team that may have improved its chances is the Golden State Warriors, who came to terms with free-agent guard/forward Andre Iguodala. Earlier in the day, the Utah Jazz agreed to take on a massive amount of salary, reportedly more than $24 million, by acquiring Andris Biedrins, Richard Jefferson and Brandon Rush from the Warriors for two first-round picks and other considerations, giving Golden State the necessary cap space to sign Iguodala.
It is unlikely the Warriors will have the means to clear enough room to sign Howard outright, but if the All-Star center wants to go to Golden State, the Warriors would need the Lakers to participate in a sign and trade.
Given the massive luxury tax they face this coming season, the Lakers are not inclined to take on the $14-million expiring salary of Andrew Bogut. The Lakers would, however, have interest in young players Harrison Barnes and Klay Thompson (preferably both), but the Warriors would probably need a third team to take on Bogut.
The Atlanta Hawks are armed with significant cap room (if Josh Smith signs with another team as expected). The Hawks have wanted to move Al Horford to power forward for some time. A short-term flier on Bogut might interest the franchise.
Atlanta is one of the teams that met with Howard this past week but is probably a long shot for his services.
If not the Hawks, the Warriors may find other trade partners for Bogut. Naturally Golden State would fight sending both Barnes and Thompson to the Lakers.
The Houston Rockets may still be the favorites to land Howard -- provided the veteran center does not want to re-sign with the Lakers. The Warriors should still be considered a viable threat.
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Earl Clark agrees to a two-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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