The Hawks want Kevin Durant.
If they can’t have him, Plan B might be Dwight Howard.
Howard would make much more sense as an Al Horford replacement if Horford leaves in free agency. Horford is better at center than power forward. Paul Millsap is better at power forward than small forward. Howard would give the Hawks the ability to play another style, and that’s helpful. But there’s probably more utility in keeping Kent Bazemore or getting a replacement wing if he leaves.
That said, if Atlanta is interested in Howard, Howard might reciprocate. He reportedly considered his hometown in 2013 free agency and had interest in being traded there last season.
Mostly, though, Howard might just pick whichever team offers him the most money. The Hawks can decide if that’s them.