NBA Trade Rumors: Dwight Howard Mega-Deal Would Make Lakers and Cavs Dangerous
The latest trade rumor involving Dwight Howard would land both the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers a franchise center. Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld is reporting that a deal is being discussed that would land D12 in LA and Andrew Bynum in Cleveland.
"Three-team deal may send Dwight Howard to Lakers, Andrew Bynum to Cavs and picks/prospects/cap relief to Magic. Still trying to get details.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 14, 2012"
The Lakers would be the team to beat in the Western Conference.
It's been widely discussed just how good the Lakers could be with Howard, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Pau Gasol, but how good would this make Cleveland?
They already have reigning Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving, rookie shooting guard Dion Waiters and power forward Tristan Thompson. Even if Anderson Varejao is included in the deal, the Cavaliers would suddenly be a major presence in the Central Division.
I wouldn't say they are on par with the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference, but this deal would certainly give them a strong young nucleus.
Consider that of this potential core group—Irving, Bynum, Waiters and Thompson—none is older than 24 years old.
Bynum is, by most accounts, the second-best center on the planet. After he posted 18.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, I'm of the opinion that there isn't a huge gap between him and Howard.
If Waiters is what they think he is, then the team would have a dominant young big man, floor general and scoring wing player.
This would be the beginning of the resurgence Cavaliers fans had been hoping for. Dan Gilbert would still be wrong about his team winning a championship before LeBron James.
But this would definitely put them in the right direction towards their own glory. Drafting Irving helped the Cavaliers begin life after James, and this move would really re-establish the team. Moreover, they would have only one major contract on their books in Bynum's $16 million deal.
The Orlando Magic would be forced to build for the future. While that may be hard for Magic fans to watch in the interim, they could turn this into a positive down the road. Depending on the package they are offered, it's really the best case scenario for them at this point
But unless they strike it rich in free agency, over the next two years the wait to return to the playoffs could be a long one.
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