Atlanta Hawks: Howard heads to Atlanta, Bazemore re-signs

The Atlanta Hawks agreed to a three-year, $70.5 million deal with Dwight Howard and re-sign Kent Bazemore. What’s next for the Hawks in free agency?

The Atlanta Hawks wasted no time taking advantage of free agency. On Friday, July 1, the first day of the free agency period, the Atlanta Hawks signed former Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard.

There has been a lot of speculation about whether or not Dwight Howard would be a good addition for the Atlanta Hawks. Many wanted to bring the Atlanta native home, while others believed Howard would be more of the same for the Hawks.

The news first broke on Friday evening by Shams Charania of the Vertical:

"“Free-agent center Dwight-Howard has reached agreement on a three-year, $70.5 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks, league sources told The Vertical.Howard and his agent, Perry Rogers, finalized the agreement on Friday afternoon in Atlanta. Howard had scheduled meetings on Saturday, but canceled them after coming to terms with Atlanta.”"

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Last season, Howard averaged 13.7 points per game, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Could Howard be the answer to the Atlanta Hawks prayer for a star player?

But the fun didn’t stop there. Not long after signing Howard, Hawks small forward Kent Bazemore agreed to a 4-year, $70 million deal with the Hawks.

Bazemore recently turned down an offer from the Los Angeles Lakers for another four years with the Hawks. Last season with the Hawks, Bazemore averaged 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Don’t forget about Atlanta Hawks free agent Al Horford. With the addition of Howard and re-signing of Bazemore, what lies ahead for Horford? According to many, this is the end of the road for Horford with the Hawks. The All-Star center has previously expressed interest in remaining in Atlanta, but at this point, anything is possible.

Last season, Horford averaged 15.2 points per game, 7.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

Next: Bulldogs: Nick Chubb to return early?

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently tweeted, “Hawks have been involved in trade talks today in an effort to open additional cap space to re-sign Al Horford if needed, sources say.” Only time will tell the fate of Horford.