NBA Trade Speculation: 4 Teams That May Try to Pry Dwight Howard from Orlando

Although Orlando Magic executives claim they have no intention of trading All-Star Dwight Howard, several teams believe that they know what it'll take.

Ken Berger of CBSSports.com reports that the Magic want a Carmelo Anthony-like haul for their 26-year-old center.  This package should include a group of young talented players, multiple draft picks and friendly contracts.

With these demands, Orlando has certainly eliminated many teams from consideration.

Regardless of the team's true motives, here are four teams, who in speculation, may be able land Howard.

New Jersey Nets

With his official backing, the New Jersey Nets remain as primary contenders in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes. 

Not only do they have the superstar to pair with him, but also the young assets to obtain him.

New Jersey could center their offer around MarShon Brooks, Kris Humphries, Brook Lopez and multiple first round selections.

D12 is set to earn just over $18 million this season—making the difference in contracts to be around $6 million; however, this is still a figure that justifies Howard’s value to the Nets.  Without him, New Jersey runs the risk of losing All-Star point guard, Deron Williams to free agency.

Together, the Nets would have the best point guard-center combination in the NBA.

In return, Orlando would net a 14-point rookie shooting guard who can create his own shot in Brooks, a double-double man in Humphries and a near 20-point scoring center in Lopez. 

In this deal, the Magic would be able to receive adequate compensation without running the risk of eliminating themselves from a deep playoff run.

Los Angeles Lakers

Aside from two years and $3 million in salary, there isn’t much that separates Andrew Bynum from Howard.

The two are still young in their development, but are already the best at their position.

In terms of pound-for-pound talent, there is no better trade option than the Los Angeles Lakers center.

At times, Bynum is the third option on his team, yet manages averages of only four fewer points and two less rebounds than the man they call “Superman”.  The comparisons fall even closer once you consider the fact that Howard averages more than double Bynum’s free-throw attempts and receives three more minutes of playing time.

The Lakers currently have two first-round picks and young players like Andrew Goudelock and Devin Ebanks that may interest Orlando.

Still, regardless of the extras in this deal, the Magic would be wise to entertain the thought netting Bynum if they’re afraid to lose Howard for nothing this off-season.

Atlanta Hawks

Not only has Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks been in trade rumors for the past three seasons, but he’s also done things like this.

Now with Howard there to be had, it’s time for the Hawks to cut bait.

If Smith comes along in a package with former All-Star center Al Horford and point guard Jeff Teague, the Magic would be wise to give it a long look.

Smith and Horford are one of the most intriguing pairs of frontcourt teammates that the league has to offer. Horford is a double-double machine that is extremely efficient from the field and on defense. His toughness and discipline act as a perfect compliment to Smith’s ambitious style.

When motivated, Smith has the ability to drop 30 on any given night.  His shot-blocking ability makes him a human highlight reel and one of the NBA’s best weak-side help defenders.

The bonus in this deal is Teague, a first-year starter that is averaging over 12 points and four assists.  The athletic third-year guard should continue to develop nicely and will warrant serious consideration for the Most Improved Player award.

To sweeten the deal, Orlando would be able to include Hedo Turkoglu and his $11 million salary to make the deal financially plausible.

This would make the deal similar to that of the New York Knicks last year—where New York was also able to net Chauncey Billups along with their superstar prize.

As a native of Atlanta, it’s time for the Hawks to do whatever they can in order to bring Dwight back for the final 15 home games.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City general manager, Sam Presti, has a reputation for building within and being fiscally responsible—which is exactly why the Thunder are the dark horse candidates for Howard’s services.

The Thunder wouldn’t even consider separating the duo of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant; however, they might contemplate dealing James Harden.  Although Harden comes off the bench to play starter minutes, he still has a tendency to get lost amongst the shuffle during pivotal points in games.

While the Thunder have four rotational post players, the one thing that they lack is a reliable interior scoring threat.

Enter Howard.

For the eight-year pro, Orlando could receive Harden, Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins.

I understand that OKC would be sacrificing their entire starting front-court, but Howard does the job of both men.

I have already made my case for Ibaka as Defensive Player of the Year, so why not replace him with someone who has won it for three consecutive seasons?

It seems like Perkins has been in the league forever, but he’s only one year older than Howard.  The duo of Perkins and Ibaka would offer the Magic two very different, but effective types of interior defenders.

Harden’s numbers speak for them self, as he will have the room, along with the potential to become a superstar in Orlando.

By getting rid of Harden and Ibaka, Presti would spare himself the hassle of resigning two players who are still under their rookie contracts.  He would also save his first-round picks and be able to continue to build through this year’s draft.