NBA Rumors: Warriors Smart to Still Covet Orlando Magic Star Dwight Howard
The Golden State Warriors are still looking for another big man to solidify their roster, and interestingly enough, they still think they have a shot at landing Orlando Magic star center Dwight Howard in a trade, even without giving up a draft pick.
"But the Warriors like the flexibility that comes with their 14-man roster and are convinced that they're still players in a potential deal for Orlando's Dwight Howard. Warriors sources said they believe the Magic could eventually deal their big man without receiving a draft pick in return, if there are enough players involved—a deal like David Lee, Monta Ellis and either [Ekpe] Udoh or Klay Thompson for Howard and Glen Davis.
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That's not a bad package for the Magic to take for Howard, who likely won't sign with the team before he can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer.
Orlando could acquire two very good NBA players who are proven scorers in Lee and Ellis, while also acquiring a very talented shooter in rookie Klay Thompson. The Magic would also be giving up "Big Baby" Davis in this deal, who is not worth the contract the team gave him in the summer.
Not getting a draft pick is not ideal for Orlando since this year's draft class is loaded with excellent talent and could be one of the better drafts in years. However, at age 85, Magic owner Richard DeVos probably doesn't want to enter another rebuilding phase, which is why acquiring proven NBA talent is the best return they can get for Howard.
The Warriors' interest in Howard is really encouraging for their fans, because a dominating center is something the franchise has never had. Howard's amazing defensive abilities would totally change the culture in Golden State to a more defensive approach, which would be good because the up-tempo, high-scoring approach hasn't worked very well in recent seasons.
The team is trying to acquire some more talent in the frontcourt and certainly has some good depth at guard to accomplish this goal.
Warriors general manager Larry Riley talked about the team's pursuit of some more bigs, again per the Chronicle:
""We've been aggressively pursuing a number of big people who would help us. We'll stay right on top of anything we can do to bring an effective big man into our organization," said Riley, who is not allowed by league rules to address specific players from other teams.
"We would give up a lot to get somebody like that. Joe Lacob's whole process since he's taken over has been to be very aggressive. I would say that we have the likelihood of being more aggressive than we might have been a few years ago."
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It's good to see the Warriors looking to bolster their talent in the frontcourt, because to compete in the Western Conferences against stars like Blake Griffin, Tim Duncan, Pau Gasol, Kevin Durant and Dirk Nowitzki, you need some quality bigs who can play well at both ends of the floor.
The Magic thus far appear unwilling to trade Howard, but that could certainly change as the trading deadline approaches. If they want a package of players who are proven stars, then Magic general manager Otis Smith should make a phone call to the Warriors soon.
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