Dwight Howard Rumors: Playing Fact or Fiction with Trade Scenarios

Did you really think declining an Early Termination Option would cease the madness? If so, you clearly haven't followed this Dwight Howard drama with a very keen eye.

For an idea as to what D-12 did wrong, how about creating a short list of his desired destinations while still under contract with the Orlando Magic? (via ESPN). Or playing a major role in Stan Van Gundy getting fired?

If not that, try the fact that Dwight Howard has changed his mind about his next move more times than Tyler Durden switched sides on Project Mayhem.

So, where's Dwight Howard going to end up once the dust settles and the flames begin to weaken?

With a full list of potential trade scenarios, franchises across the NBA have begun evaluating a potential deal including Dwight Howard. What's important to decipher, however, is which deals are fake and which could come to fruition.

Time to play fact or fiction.

Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic Swap Big Men

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Dwight Howard, C

Orlando Magic Receive: Andrew Bynum, C

Quite possibly the most popular rumor of all is that of a potential swap that would see the top two centers in the NBA switch uniforms. Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated is just one of many who have proposed the deal.

Unfortunately for those in favor of such a deal, it's not going to happen.

Dwight Howard apparently does not want to play for the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Yahoo Sports. While Howard's word is about as strong as Greg Oden's knees, the Lakers have enough off-the-court baggage with Andrew Bynum on the roster.

This deal is not going to happen. There isn't even a possibility. 

Final Verdict: Fiction

Brooklyn Nets Bet the Bank on Dwight Howard

Brooklyn Nets Receive: Dwight Howard

Orlando Magic Receive: Brook Lopez, Gerald Wallace, Draft Picks, etc...

How long have we been discussing the Howard-to-Brooklyn possibilities? (via Yahoo Sports) Long enough that these rumors will remain until the day Deron Williams signs elsewhere or Howard finds himself in a new uniform.

The question is, how likely is the trade to occur? Furthermore, what type of trade talk is this? Fact or fiction?

Unlike most of the Dwight Howard trade rumors, which are speculation-oriented, the Nets and Magic have a long history of attempting such a deal. This makes this rumor quite a reality and instantly qualify as fact. 

Final Verdict: Fact

Chicago Bulls Toss Away System, Acquire Dwight Howard

Chicago Bulls Receive: Dwight Howard

Orlando Magic Receive: Luol Deng, Joakim Noah

Remember when Dwight Howard claimed he had a desire to play with Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls? (via ESPN) If not, do you remember when Howard said he wasn't interested in playing under Tom Thibodeau? (via AOL Sporting News)

In case you missed out on all the hype, let the fact that Dwight Howard remains in Orlando put an end to the consideration. Don't forget to tack on Joakim Noah emerging as a much more well-rounded big man than he had been in recent seasons. 

Final Verdict: Fiction

Dallas Mavericks Work Magic, Acquire D-12

Dallas Mavericks Receive: Dwight Howard

Orlando Magic Receive: Draft Picks, Cash Consideration

Mark Cuban may have a boat load of money, but he's just as stripped of his tradable talent as the Brooklyn Nets. The difference is: Brooklyn is poised to re-sign those very players who could be used as trade bait.

Dallas has no valuable players under the age 30 to offer. They have no chance to orchestrate their dream deal, according to AOL Sporting News. 

Final Verdict: Fiction

Orlando Magic Stand Ground, Hold onto Dwight Howard

In case you haven't noticed, there is only one team who has a realistic chance of landing Dwight Howard. Due to this fact, the likelihood that Howard finds himself in a new jersey is relatively slim.

After all, haven't we been through all of this before? (via ESPN) 

Final Verdict: Fact