Dwight Howard: Rumors of Superman Flying to Oakland

Rumors abound in Warrior land about a potential trade for Dwight Howard, the disgruntled Orlando Magic superstar. As noted by beat writer Tim Kawakami, Warriors brass is apparently ready to deal for Dwight without assurances that he’d re-sign.

Looking to make a big splash, this is one move owner Joe Lacob believes is worth the risk. Franchise big men grow rarer and rarer. Limited players like Tyson Chandler (four years, $58 million) are cashing paychecks normally reserved for star players. As mentioned in an earlier article, the Warriors are stuck in basketball purgatory. They continue to fall out of playoff contention while missing out on top lottery prospects.

Trading for Howard, even if it means sending away multiple valuable players, is the best way to break the cycle. Howard makes any team an instant contender. Should Howard not re-sign, he’d be giving up $30 million and leaving a Warrior team finally in position to rebuild in earnest. From Kawakami's blog, one insider shares the same sentiment.

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Also, one source indicated that Lacob wouldn’t want Howard to walk away for nothing, but is at this point willing to consider letting that all happen—as a last option—to clear out the Warriors’ cap situation and re-start.

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A trade revolving around Monta Ellis is the likeliest option. Curry’s soft ankles are a major trade concern, and Ellis has been producing very well the last two seasons. He exploded for 48 points last night against a very good Oklahoma City team.

The Warriors already have a capable replacement shooting guard. Rookie Klay Thompson has been playing well of late after overcoming a very shaky start. In his first four games, he shot a miserable 4-of-15, troubling numbers for a supposed college sharpshooter.

With the New Year came a new confidence. He has improved his three-point shooting percentage to a scorching 45.9 percent on the season. He is a decent defender with good length and a high basketball IQ. His offensive game is well rounded; his deadly and swift stroke opens up driving lanes which he is not afraid to take.

He is an extremely confident player, calmly sinking a last-second three-pointer to bring the Warriors to overtime against the Sacramento Kings. 

The Warriors do not have a player ready to handle starting point guard duties if they were to trade Stephan Curry. A package built around Monta Ellis is the best course of action for the Warriors whether Dwight Howard extends or not.