Chicago Bulls: Why They Should Help Facilitate Dwight Howard Trade

I know it is something Bulls fans don't want to admit, but Dwight Howard isn't coming to Chicago. However, that doesn't mean the Bulls shouldn't help him get to where he is going.

While the Bulls aren't going to land Howard, it doesn't mean they can't improve their team.

The Nets were basically begging the Clippers to take Marshon Brooks in exchange for a first-round pick in an epic four-team trade. Why can't the Bulls give up a first-round pick for Brooks? 

Marc Stein of ESPN has reported that the Lakers and Rockets have jumped into the circus for Howard, now that the Brooklyn deal has fallen apart. He also gave a nice breakdown of the situation.

"

In short: Lakes need 3rd team to do Dwight deal. Nets do NOT but direct ORL deal TRICKY. Rockets can do it direct or facilitate & get Bynum

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 10, 2012"

I say let's help the Lakers get Howard and get something in return. If you think about it, it is in the team's best interest.

If Howard ends up in Brooklyn, he gives the Bulls another super team to contend with in their own conference. If he goes out West, it makes New Jersey's addition of Joe Johnson less impressive.

So I purpose a three-way trade between the Lakers, Bulls and Magic that works under the salary cap.

Lakers

Dwight Howard

Bulls

Andrew Bynum.

Magic 

Joakim Noah

Taj Gibson

Draft picks

Los Angles would get their next great big man, as well as a young star they can start to rebuild around. Orlando gets young talent and draft picks, while the Bulls get a young star capable of putting up 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds nightly.

Looks great on paper right? Sadly, it's much more complicated than it looks.

While Howard has said he won't sign an extension (via Sports Illustrated) anywhere but Brooklyn, Bynum also has a list. He has named the Rockets, Mavs and Cavs as the teams he is most interested in (reported by CBSSports).

Now the $100 million question, would Howard or Bynum really pass on the richer deal and leave as free agents?

Basically I am saying that the Lakers and Bulls should call their bluffs.

Will Howard really say "no" to the Lakers if he wins a title alongside Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash?

Could Bynum say "no" to playing alongside Derrick Rose in a major market?

And most importantly, could either say no to the tens of millions of dollars they would be passing up?

I say "no" on all accounts.

Nine times out of 10, money wins. Sure there is the rare time someone passes on the money, like Ray Allen just did; but like I said, usually players follow the dollar signs. While the two big men have their lists and demands, it is hard to argue when you are getting paid and winning.

According to the NBA trade machine on ESPN, the trade would increase the Lakers' win total by four and the Bulls would gain two more victories.

Overall, I would say it is a win-win for all parties involved.

Now if only Bulls general manager Gar Foreman would wake up, get aggressive and get involved. It might be a long shot, but it is one worth taking.

What do you thinks Bulls' fans? Would you be OK with facilitating a Howard trade? Sound off below.

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @dachicagofan, and check out my weekly Bulls podcast every Wednesday on my site, The MG Experience.