Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: 5 Unlikely Places Howard Might End Up

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This website and many others are chock full of juicy morsels regarding Dwight Howard's future. Lets face it, Howard will most likely remain with the Magic. However, there is always a chance he won't. If he doesn't sign that extension by the trading deadline Otis Smith won't be afraid to trade him.

I decided I wanted to go a different route than most people, and explore trades that will most likely not happen. I left out draft picks and potential players who may sign and be used for potential trades later.

Here are 5 places Dwight Howard could end up, but most likely won't.

1. LA Clippers

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This trade has two things going for it for Orlando. Orlando would acquire a great young shooting guard and they would unload Turkoglu's contract.

The trade.

Orlando would get two talented young players in Aminu and Gordon, while getting rid of one bad contract. Chris Kaman could also become effective again, and the Magic might even make the playoffs with this team.

The Clippers would be able to Pair Dwight Howard with Blake Griffin. This would be an instant ticket to the playoffs and would put fans in the seats. Bledsoe would be able to start at the point, and Randy Foye at shooting guard.

This trade would make the Clippers very scary.

2. Chicago

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After the success the Bulls had this year I doubt this trade will happen. The Bulls however could make it work salary wise. If the Bulls made this trade their post game would be nearly unstoppable with Boozer and Howard. Orlando wouldn't get a raw deal either.

The Trade.

This trade would give Orlando an above average big man to help build a team around, as well as one of the most underrated players in the NBA in Deng. Asik also could be a great role-player.

Chicago would extremely hard to beat if they could add Howard to a lineup that already has Rose, and Boozer. You would have the MVP, and the runner up on the same team. Another Bulls championship era would most likely be on the wings.

NOTE: Noah has a Poison Pill exception, so this trade might have to be tweaked quite a bit if done next season.

3. Philadelphia

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The 76ers made noise this year after becoming the 7th seed of the east. However, they are down three games against Miami and look like they might be swept.

The 76ers have a lot of young talent and if they could acquire Howard without giving too much talent away, he might be willing to sign an extension with them. Here is a potential trade that could have Howard going to Philly.

This would be a beneficial trade for both teams. The Magic would get Brand, Turner, and Meeks. Turner didn't live up to expectations but could still be a great player. Meeks and Brand had decent seasons as well.

The 76ers would of course acquire the best big man in the NBA. Not much to be said on their side. Howard would combo very well with Andra Igoudala and Jrue Holiday. They would still need another piece or two but they would be well on their way to a championship team.

4. Dallas

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We all know Mark Cuban loves his big men. So if any owner will try to get Howard, it's Cuban. This trade would be nothing more than a salary dump for Orlando. So Orlando would do their best to unload either Turkoglu, Gilbert Arenas or both. A 3rd team (like Cleveland) would probably have to get involved.

Potential trade.

The Magic don't get a great deal here, but they unload Turkoglu's contract.

Dallas would turn into a Western power house with this trade. Nowitzki will stretch the opposing power forward out allowing the choice of Howard having free reign in the paint, or double teaming him and putting a smaller player on Nowitzki and leaving Caron Butler, Shawn Marion, Jason Terry or Jason Kidd open. This tandem would be hard to stop.

Cleveland loses their trade exception they acquired from the Heat, but get a decent big man. Chances are they would eventually trade Haywood to another team looking for a center.

5. Golden State

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I doubt that Dwight Howard would be willing to sign an extension with Golden State. However, if he did, here is a potential trade.

The Magic would get Monta Ellis who is emerging into a potential superstar, and Biedrins who is a decent center. What makes sense for the Magic with this trade is Ellis, Biedrins, Turkoglu and Arenas's contracts all come up the same year. This will give the Magic a lot of of cap flexibility.

Golden State would have a huge Big 3 with this trade that would rival Boston and Miami. Dorell Wright (who had a breakout season) would get even more open shots with Howard down low.