Free-agents to be Dwight Howard and Chris Paul are said to be considering a Dream Team like alliance in Atlanta. According to NBA.com, the two are pals and have discussed the possibility given the Hawks have the cap flexibility to create two maximum contract slots.

Adding to that, Howard is a native son and said to be disenchanted with Coach Mike D’Antoni is Los Angeles. ESPN earlier reported that during his season exit interview, Howard told GM Mitch Kupchak he felt misused by D’Antoni and somewhat disrespected that he exclusively leaned on Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash for leadership and rarely sought input from him.

According to ESPN, the relationship between Paul and Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro isn’t much better. Del Negro, whose contract ended at the end of the year, is expected to meet with owner Donald Sterling over the next few days to discuss his future.

ESPN also reported sources reveal Sterling is strongly considering cutting ties with Del Negro at that point, all in an increased effort to lure back Paul with the caveat of choosing between a slew of available coaches that includes Jerry Sloan, Jeff Van Gundy, Nate McMillan, Byron Scott, Doug Collins and Stan Van Gundy.