Magic Rumors: Orlando Needs Dwight Howard to Expand His List To Get Better Deal
Some may think that the Orlando Magic's insistence on obtaining youth and prospects is the biggest holdup in trading Dwight Howard, but I don't.
It's that short and restrictive list that surfaced during last season (per ESPN) that is the biggest impediment. It's the list of teams that Howard is willing to sign an extension with, thus the only real trade partners the Magic have—aside from the monetarily insane Houston Rockets.
Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports tweeted this of the Lakers' continued interest in landing D12:
"Lakers pushing hard to land Magic center Dwight Howard & meeting with Magic today,sources tell Y! LAL wants DH contract extension commitment
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 17, 2012"
The Rockets are one of the only teams not on the list who have been aggressive in their pursuit of Howard. Per Matt Moore of NBC Sports, the Rockets are even asking Hakeem Olajuwon to work on Howard re-signing in Houston, if a trade to the Rockets is completed.
That is pure insanity. Just face it, you're not on the list.
The fact that the list dwindled down to include only the Brooklyn Nets (per Sports Illustrated) made it even more of a problem. Can you imagine how many opportunities would arise if Howard would agree to an extension in just three or four more cities?
The Lakers are smart to want a long-term commitment from Howard. They already have the second best center in the league in Andrew Bynum. Even if the Lakers don't acquire Howard, they are still a legit contender.
If they get Bynum they could be something truly special.
That would be the case for several teams in the NBA—if they were on the big man's list. The Lakers are obviously not even sure if they are still considered a Howard-preferred destination.
If Howard said he would sign an extension in Chicago, New York or Atlanta, just watch the mad scramble ensued while those teams tried to construct deals.
Players that those teams coveted before would suddenly be made available. The Chicago Bulls scenario, which I've always said made the most sense, would explode. I have a strong feeling Joakim Noah, Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer could be available to land Howard next to Derrick Rose.
I believe the same thing could happen In New York. Amar'e Stoudemire and/or Tyson Chandler would suddenly become available to land Howard.
The Atlanta Hawks would stop at nothing to bring Howard back to the state he grew up in. Josh Smith and or Al Horford would be shopped without hesitation.
But these scenarios are just make-believe. Why?
Because of that list that Howard has every right to make, but oh the confinement that it represents. It's the reason the Magic will never get fair value for their franchise player.
They can hold out as long as they want, but unless Howard gets anxious and expands his options, the Magic are just recycling old trade ideas.
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