Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Why Superman and the Mavericks Are a Perfect Fit

Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic is the most dominant player in the NBA today. He is in a class totally by himself at the center position. The way he way scores inside and fights for rebounds is unbelievable to witness.

Really the only way to stop "Superman," as he's known nowadays, is to double-team him with two defenders in the paint. The double-teams are not even effective though, because it leaves one of Howard's teammates open from behind the arc, and he can easily kick it out to him for three points.

Now at age 26, Howard seems ready to part ways with the city and team that he's called home since he was drafted by the Magic in 2004 right out of high school.

According to ESPN.com, the Lakers, Bulls and Mavericks are all possible options for Howard if he doesn't stay put in Orlando.

Howard wants to play in a bigger market and wants a stronger chance of winning his first NBA championship. Howard hasn't spoken publicly about his contract, but he hasn't committed to playing for Orlando after this season either.

Chicago and L.A. definitely give the all-star center a greater chance of winning his first championship ring, but those teams really don't need to go through all the financial hassle of signing the most talented post player in the NBA, especially when they already have plenty of depth at those positions.

The Bulls already have an expensive frontcourt. Starting big men Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah will both be making more than $10 million this season alone. With those two talented posts down low for Chicago, along with emerging backup Taj Gibson, the Bulls really have no need to go out of their way to acquire Howard.

The Los Angeles Lakers have a similar situation. While every basketball fan and his sister would love to see "Superman" play alongside fellow Team USA member Kobe Bryant, the Lakers really do not need to go out of their way to get Howard. Injury problems aside, Lakers center Andrew Bynum has already shown the potential to be the second-best center behind Howard. Having Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom down low helps L.A. as well.

The trio of Bynum, Gasol and Odom is already costing the Lakers' front office upwards of $43 million this year alone, so it would really seem ridiculous for them to pursue Howard. The 2008 Olympic gold medalist is expected to make $18 million in Orlando this season, and that number would certainly go up with a new team.

Yes, the Bulls and Lakers could trade for Howard, possibly parting ways with Noah or Bynum, for example. A trade like that is so unnecessary though. Both the Bulls and Lakers are legitimate title contenders already, without Howard. Bringing him in like that would only be a ploy to draw more attention to themselves, because a Derrick Rose or Kobe matchup would be a tremendous sight to behold.

The NBA champion Dallas Mavericks, on the other hand, are a great fit for the three-time defensive player of the year. 

Mavericks center Tyson Chandler is now a free agent, and seems to be on his way out of Dallas. Howard would be a superb addition, because Dallas doesn't want to start underachieving Brendan Haywood. 

The Mavericks are a team full of wily veterans who can score effectively with the three-piont shot. They play a very similar style of basketball as Howard's Magic, so the adjustment would not be difficult. 

For the Mavericks and owner Mark Cuban, getting Howard would be a terrific Christmas present. Dallas' roster is aging rapidly. Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion are nearing the finale of their careers. With the 26-year-old Howard, their team would be set down low for the next decade. 

For most people, it seemed like Dallas' championship victory over Miami last season was the last shot that Nowitzki and his Maverick team would ever have at the Larry O'Brien trophy. But if 6'10'' Howard came to play for Cuban alongside Dirk, a second NBA Finals victory is by no means out of the question.

They say the last thing an old player loses is his jump shot, and the amount of veteran shooters in Dallas is plentiful. Peja Stojakovic, Terry, Kidd and company would continue to knock down outside shots, if Howard were there to clog up he middle. 

In addition to Howard, Dallas now has talented, youthful scorers Caron Butler and Rodrigue Beaubois back from injuries. These two are hungry for another NBA title, as neither was able to contribute on the court during the 2011 playoffs.

Turkish forward Hedo Turkoglu thrived in Orlando alongside Howard. Imagine what "Superman" could do for Finals MVP Nowitzki.