NBA Trade Rumors: Dwight Howard to Chicago Talk Just Smokescreen

The NBA trade rumor mill got whipped up into a frenzy when multiple media outlets reported that the Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls were in talks about a blockbuster deal for the league’s premier center.

Ken Berger over at CBSSports.com reports that Orlando is not pleased with what Howard’s short list of suitors are offering and has instead turned to Chicago to see if a deal could be struck there.

On the surface, this makes complete sense, and it is easy to see how outside observers can get swept up in the hype.

For Orlando, the Bulls have the most to offer in terms of a talent and draft picks package that could keep the Magic competitive.

For Chicago, the Magic would be sending a player in Howard that would give the Bulls the league’s best one-two combination when he is paired with Derrick Rose.

To a degree, a swap between these two teams makes so much sense that it’s a wonder why it hasn’t already happened.

Well, the answer is because it never will happen.

All of this speculation reeks of price-fixing by the Magic.

When considering that the Orlando brass is not satisfied with what the teams on Howard’s wish list are offering, coupled with the fact that Howard will not sign an extension if he's dealt elsewhere, the Magic are obviously trying to get those preferred clubs to sweeten the pot.

There are not many teams that, with anything significant to offer, will take on Howard as a rental.

But if Orlando can demonstrate that it is serious about dealing Howard to anyone who can make the right offer, that may entice the teams on his short list to up the ante.

Orlando seems to be looking to come out on top of any transaction that involves it trading its biggest name since Shaquille O’Neal.

This recent link to Chicago may appear to have some credibility, but that’s more due to the ongoing season speculation surrounding good landing spots for Howard.

The most significant thing that should quell any hopes of this deal happening are the management styles of John Paxson and Gar Forman.

Since drafting Rose, these two have methodically planned to build a team suited for long-term success.

To think that they would risk disrupting what appears to be a potentially budding dynasty for a half-season’s worth of work from Howard is preposterous.

If there are any Bulls fans out there who find themselves getting excited about this deal, they are setting themselves up for disappointment.

Chicago would never pull the trigger without an extension commitment, and Orlando can’t guarantee that.

The only thing that will come from all of this fuss will be an increase in market value for Howard’s talents.

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