NBA Rumors: Warriors Crazy to Continue Pursuit of Dwight Howard

Some people just can't take a hint.

Despite not appearing on Dwight Howard's wish list and receiving no assurances Howard would consider signing a contract extension with the Golden State Warriors if they traded for him, the team continues to inquire about Howard.

From Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle:

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But the Warriors like the flexibility that comes with their 14-man roster and are convinced that they're still players in a potential deal for Orlando's Dwight Howard. Warriors sources said they believe the Magic could eventually deal their big man without receiving a draft pick in return, if there are enough players involved - a deal like David Lee, Monta Ellis and either [Epke] Udoh or Klay Thompson for Howard and Glen Davis.

"

It's an interesting deal, but one I highly doubt Orlando would make unless they simply decided it was the best they could do and were unwilling to risk losing Howard for nothing this offseason.

But beyond that, why would Golden State pursue a player who has made it quite clear which teams he would sign an extension with and the Warriors are nowhere to be found on that list?

I know they think they can woo him to stay, but what if they can't? What if he leaves them high and dry? What will they tell their fanbase then?

Golden State is making an interesting play here—they are hoping the other NBA teams balk at trading for Howard in the hopes of simply signing him in the offseason. They are hoping Orlando says, "Well Dwight, do what you like, but we're going to take what we can get for you" and end up trading him to Golden State.

That's smart business. What isn't smart is the next step, which is banking on convincing Howard to play somewhere he has never expressed an interest in playing.

That's wishful thinking in my book. And the lovestruck Warriors may not only wind up with broken hearts if they trade for Howard and he leaves, but a broken roster as well.

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