By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Atlanta, GA

After parting ways with leading scorer Joe Johnson, the Atlanta Hawks have agreed to send Marvin Williams to the Utah Jazz for point guard Devin Harris.

The latest development was the second major offseason move for new Atlanta general manager Danny Ferry, who earlier traded Johnson for five players and a first-round pick in 2013.

The moves have eased the long-term payroll burden for the Hawks by a total of $105 milion while taking in just $23.5 million, $8.5 million of which is from the final year of Harris' contract.

With two big trades, the Hawks suddenly emerged as a potential destination for Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, who grew up in the Atlanta area and his closeness to swingman Josh Smith could help convince the All-Star center to accept a trade.

Howard has said that he has only one preferred destination, which is the Brooklyn Nets.

But Atlanta could lure the Magic to accept a trade by offering All-Star center Al Horford and young guard Jeff Teague.

Williams was the Hawks' No. 2 overall pick in 2005, ahead of Chris Paul. He has two seasons left on his contract at $8.3 million and $7.5 million.

Last season, Williams averaged 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in 57 games for the Hawks. In his seven years with Atlanta, he normed 11.9 points and 5.3 rebounds.

Letting him go means the Hawks have enough space in the summer to make free-agent bids for both Howard and Paul, who has yet to sign an extension with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Harris, a 5th overall pick by the Washington Wizards in 2004, averaged 11.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 63 games.

In his 10-year career that featured stints with Dallas and New Jersey, Harris averaged 13.1 points. He was a subject of trade rumors since last season after his performance dropped during midseason.

 

 

Hawks Trade Marvin Williams to Jazz for Devin Harris