NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz on Dwight Howard, DJ Augustin and More

The moratorium on free agent activity during the NBA offseason ended on Wednesday, and there has been an absolute flurry of action since then.

With so many signings, trades and other activities taking place, it’s hard to keep track of it all.

Let’s take a look at some of the most up-to-date rumors that are being run through the mill.

Orlando Magic Want to Make Up with Dwight Howard

Ric Bucher of ESPN The Magazine reported that Magic GM Rob Hennigan contacted the superstar big man and attempted to convince him to give Orlando some serious consideration.

It did not go well and DH12 did not change his stance. He said he has heard the same pleas from executive Alex Martins, who was also on the call.

Expect Orlando to keep shopping their center around for the best deal, as they're certain to lose him for nothing after the upcoming season.

Indiana Pacers Play Waiting Game with Charlotte Bobcats

Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer noted that the Pacers might not even need to pursue a potential sign-and-trade with the Bobcats for restricted free agent D.J. Augustin.

Charlotte is apparently courting Ramon Sessions and Brendan Haywood in free agency and would likely rescind their qualifying offer to Augustin should they land a different point guard.

That would allow for Augustin to become an unrestricted free agent and sign with the Pacers on whatever terms they agree to.

Considering that Indiana just shipped off incumbent starter Darren Collison to Dallas, it makes perfect sense for both parties to work something out.

Houston Rockets Consider Amnestying International Player for DH12

Rockets GM Daryl Morey isn’t averse to pulling off a shocking move to make his team better. His latest step could be to amnesty Luis Scola, who is due $21 million over the next three seasons.

According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle:

"

To create enough cap room for the kind of blockbuster trade that has been proposed, the Rockets are considering making veteran forward Luis Scola an amnesty cut, likely in the next 48 hours, a person with knowledge of the move said. That would create enough cap room for the Rockets to take on the additional contracts necessary to complete a trade for Dwight Howard.

"

Scola is one of the Rockets' best interior scorers and rebounders, but adding DH12 would be a massive upgrade.

It would be wise for the organization to make this move if they truly feel it will lead to a deal getting done.