NBA Trade Speculation: Oklahoma City and 5 Teams That Could Land Dwight Howard

When speculating about potential NBA trades this offseason, Dwight Howard is always the first named mentioned. 

Howard has said he will test free agency during the summer of 2012, so Otis Smith and the Orlando Magic have a big decision to make; risk superman leaving for nothing, or send him packing before the February trade dead-line in hopes of bringing in the best possible package deal for Howard.

Not exactly what Magic fans want to hear, though it appear inevitable at this point.

The Magic have the leagues second highest player salary, and the only way Dwight Howard re-signs with Orlando next year is if the Magic can bring in another superstar such as Chris Paul. 

This could prove to be a tough accomplishment for the Magic who have two contracts that no other team wants to touch in Gilbert Arenas and Hedo Turkoglu which leaves Orlando with about four legitimate trading pieces. Unless the Magic can find a way to part ways with either Turkoglu or Areans, bringing in another superstar seems nearly impossible. 

If the Magic do decide that Howard will most likely walk— the Oklahoma City Thunder and these five teams would make the most since for both organizations to pull of a blockbuster deal for the services of Superman.

5. Utah Jazz

I doubt that Utah would be high on Dwight's free agency destinations, but the Magic have the power of being able to trade him anywhere they desire.

The Jazz have an absolute arsenal of possible trading pieces for the Magic, but they would be reluctant to strike a deal if they didn't feel Dwight Howard would re-sign with Utah in the summer.

If Utah does feel that they could get Dwight to sign an extension with the Jazz, they could package many different players in a deal for Howard—possibly even Enes Kanter.

The Jazz would send either Kanter or Al Jefferson for sure and one of their many power forwards, likely Milsap or Favors with a future first rounder.

The Magic would love to acquire sophomore Derrick Favors who would give them a young body to build around, though the Jazz would most likely offer Paul Milsap who is a double-double player when given the minutes.

It's tough to speculate just how this trade would go down, but one thing is for sure—the Jazz have the young talent to knock a deal out. 

4. Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors are looking to part ways with Monta Ellis—why not try to get Dwight Howard in return?

The Warriors could offer a package deal centering around Monta Ellis and David Lee, which would work out for both teams.

The Magic would still be a playoff team in the East, (though not real contenders) and the Warriors would have an elite young nucleus with Stephon Curry, Dwight Howard,Charles Jenkins, Klay Thompson and Ekpe Udoh.

This trade presents the same question as with the Utah Jazz though; would Dwight re-sign with Golden State?

If the Warriors feel he would, you can bet new Head Coach Marc Jackson would encourage the front-office to make a move.

Dwight Howard has said all along he wants to make his own path. If Dwight  was to sign with Golden State, I don't see how people could criticize superman to much—it's not like Howard would be pulling a LeBron and joining forces with two All-Stars. 

3. New Jersey Nets

The Nets would love this deal because it would guarantee that point guard Deron Williams would sign an extension with New Jersey, while the Magic could get a great young center in return. 

The Nets could offer center Brook Lopez and power forward Kris Humphries with future Draft picks, or Maybe sweeten the deal and throw in Marshon Brooks who the Nets selected with their 2011 first round pick. Lopez averaged 20 points with six rebounds last season, while Humphries came on strong last year and averaged a double double. Brooks could be the deciding piece to this trade, as the Magic are desperate for help at the guard position. 

Orlando would acquire a solid front-court and a young guard who can score the basketball, while the Nets would have the best point-guard/center duo in the NBA.

2. Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls have the NBA's best young superstar in Derrick Rose, and if they could team him up with Dwight Howard—watch out. 

The Bulls would center this deal around Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah and multiple future first round picks. 

The Magic would undoubtedly go into re-building mode with this trade, but Noah and Gibson are two young hard working players who are great role players. 

If the Magic can snag two or maybe even three (these are not going to be high picks) first round draft picks, Orlando could develop a young team with great promise. 

As for the Bulls, Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose—what else is there to say?

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder are loaded with young talent, and although Thunder fans love Russell Westbrook—if the Thunder have any shot at Kevin Durant and Dwight Howard wearing the same uniform; they must jump at it.

This would easily form the leagues most dynamic duo (yes, even better then Wade and James) simply because of how well-rounded the two would be. The inside-out-presence would be undeniable, and Durant would never have to worry about not seeing the ball enough in crunch time. 

The Thunder could package a deal that consists of Westbrook and Perkins for Howard, which would give the Magic a growing star and a reliable starting center.

Magic fans would love for this deal to include shooting-guard James Harden, but I don't see the Thunder giving him up unless the Magic could persuade them in a package deal including J.J. Redick or Jameer Nelson. 

The Thunder get better in this deal with the addition of Howard, and the Magic get a rising star in return who they can start building their organization around.