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Technically Kyle Korver is still a member of the Atlanta Hawks but it seems to be more of a matter of when than if he will be going to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Rumors suggest that may be only the first move that the Hawks are considering with signs pointing to Paul Millsap as the next likeliest to go.
With a change in direction seemingly on the horizon, ESPN.com’s Justin Verrier asked Dwight Howard for his thoughts on the Korver trade.
Asked if he feels the Hawks are going in a different direction that the team he signed on for this offseason, Dwight Howard paused for six seconds, let out a sigh and said, "That's a tricky question to answer. … It's basketball. It's a serious business. You never know what can happen, with any team. You never know. I mean, I didn't expect this to happen, but, like I said, you never know."
Atlanta signed Howard this summer hoping he could lead them back to the playoffs and would give them a fighting chance in the postseason against teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers. Things started well enough as the Hawks jumped out to a 9-2 start but that was followed by a 4-14 stretch that dropped them below .500. They have been consistently inconsistent despite a current five-game winning streak.
Howard also talked about the mood in the locker room. On one hand, the players are happy for Korver who gets to play for a contender, but on the other, it is a sign that management is ready to pull the plug on their season.
Dwight Howard on the mood amongst the Hawks after learning of the reported trade of Kyle Korver to Cleveland: "I think guys are pretty hurt about it," Howard said. "On one hand, you're going to be happy for him going to a really good team. On the other hand, it's like, ‘Dang, he's going to a really good team.' I am curious to see what his handshake will be. A lot of those guys give really good handshakes. … Oh, man. It's just shocking, for all of us."
If the Hawks are really serious about tearing things down, then they have a number of players who could potentially help out teams. Obviously Millsap is the biggest prize, but guys like Thabo Sefolosha and maybe even a Tim Hardaway Jr. could help teams that are hoping to make a playoff push.