NBA Trade Rumors: When Will Dwight Howard Leave Orlando Magic, Where Will He Go?

In a not-so-surprising turn of events, Dwight Howard still wants out of Orlando, and the Magic would be foolish to let him walk at the end of the year without getting anything for him in return. 

I guess being on a playoff-contending team—currently 6-3 overall—isn't enough for the disgruntled NBA star.  Either way, Superman wants out and there are undoubtedly teams that are still interested in him.

When, if ever, will the Magic send Howard out of Orlando and where will he ultimately end up are both still up for debate, but there are at least a few teams that have a better chance than others.

Read on to find out where Howard might end up and when it could possibly happen.  

Golden State Warriors: 500-to-1

Golden State, with a new front office and some serious talent on the roster, would be a solid spot for Howard to be.  

Sure, the Warriors would have to give up at least two first-round draft picks and either Monta Ellis or Stephen Curry, but the Warriors have enough cap room to bring on overpaid Hedo Turkoglu, which is a must for any possible Dwight Howard trade.

While the Warriors have the lowest odds of getting Howard, they still are on the radar, and I think he would be a great fit in the Warriors fast-paced offense.  He would also add legitimacy to the Warriors' lack of defensive focus. 

Dallas Mavericks: 300-to-1

While the Dallas Mavericks probably have a better shot than the Golden State Warriors of landing Dwight Howard, their chances are still very slim.  

What the Mavericks need to hope for is for Orlando to hold onto Howard until the offseason, when the Mavericks will make a serious push to land him and Jason Kidd's replacement.

The Mavericks would have to unload their roster to get Howard, which would absolutely kill any chemistry they have on their team this year.  

To get Howard, the Mavs would have to give up Shawn Marion, Jason Terry, Brandon Haywood and a draft pick or two, and they would also have to take Hedo Turkoglu's massive contract which would be hard to do.

The Mavericks could very well end up with Dwight Howard, but if they do, it most likely won't be until the 2012 offseason when they can release their aged talent and add Howard without giving up all the talent on their roster. 

Los Angeles Lakers: 75-to-1

The Lakers are still interested in Dwight Howard, and that shows just how much they believe in Andrew Bynum.  

I know the Lakers want to get Howard without giving up Bynum, but that won't happen and giving up Bynum doesn't make sense right now.

Bynum is having the best year of his career so far, averaging 18.8 points and 15.7 rebounds per game, which is a higher average than Howard so far.  Sure, Howard is the more established talent, and the more veteran player, but Bynum's upside is hard to overlook.

To get Dwight Howard, the Lakers would have to give up Bynum and Metta World Peace to make room for Hedo Turkoglu's massive contract, in addition to a first- and second-round draft pick, which would be hard to rationalize with their roster lacking serious depth. 

Much like the Mavericks, the Lakers' best shot at getting Howard is in the offseason, and I think between Dallas and L.A., the Lakers have a much more legitimate chance at getting Howard on their roster.

New Jersey Nets: 2-to-1

New Jersey seems like the promised land for Dwight Howard.  

He has the kind of personality that is required in a top-level market and that is where the Nets aim to be in the next year or two, especially after they make the move to Brooklyn.  

The Nets aren't going anywhere fast, currently sitting at 2-8 overall, and that is good news for Howard. 

The Nets really having nothing to lose this year by trading away their roster and draft picks for Dwight Howard, which is something that can't be said for the other teams on this list.  

To get Howard, the Nets would have to trade away Brook Lopez and some young talent like MarShon Brooks in addition to trading away at least two first-round draft picks over the next two years.  

While that might seem like a lot for the Nets, they wouldn't be giving up any integral piece of their roster, because aside from Deron Williams, they don't really have any integral pieces. 

I think at some point within the next month or month-and-a-half, the Magic will finally realize that there is a zero percent chance that Howard plans on returning to Orlando for the 2012-13 season.  

When they realize that, the Magic's front office will be more than happy to trade him and Hedo Turkoglu's terrible contract to the team that is willing to give the most away, and that team is the New Jersey Nets.  

I will be shocked if Dwight Howard isn't wearing a Nets jersey at some point this season, and if he isn't wearing one by the end of the 2011-12 season, he will surely be wearing one next year.