The Los Angeles Lakers appear unlikely to trade Dwight Howard, but the Atlanta Hawks may take a stab at it regardless, reports Ken Berger of CBS Sports.

There's widespread belief that the Lakers won't trade Dwight Howard. However, several teams believe Atlanta will make a serious run at him.

— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) February 19, 2013

Mitch Kupchak shot down the rumor that he had talks with the Boston Celtics in regards to a Rajon Rondo-Howard swap, and prior to the rumor spreading, it was reported that Kupchak informed Howard that the Lakers had no intention of trading the center.

Atlanta is Dwight's home town, and there's belief that he could potentially look to signing with Atlanta in the Summer as an unrestricted free agent. One of the humps Atlanta would have to get over is the cut in money that Dwight would have to take with one less guaranteed year on his contract. If Dwight is traded to Atlanta, the Hawks would receive his bird rights, and would be able to offer Dwight the highest amount of money in free agency.

It doesn't seem imminent, but it's worth keeping an eye on.

- Drew

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