Dwight Howard Trade Mix: 7 Teams Who Could Jump into a Mid-Season Deal

With the Orlando Magic reportedly (via ESPN's Chris Broussard) willing to stretch this Dwight Howard trade saga into the regular season, it's time to start thinking about mid-season trade possibilities.

What now seems like a two-horse race between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets once again becomes wide open during the season.

That means that teams that were thought to be out of the running (I'm looking at you, Brooklyn) could theoretically get back into the D12 chase.

Who are some of the teams that could jump into the mix? Here's a look at seven possible trade partners for the Magic general manager Rob Hennigan.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors reportedly made a strong push for Howard at this past season's trade deadline (per NBA.com's Scott Howard-Cooper) before shipping Monta Ellis to Milwaukee for Andrew Bogut.

If we reach the mid-point of next season, could Golden State again become a top destination? It's possible, but only if the team is willing to part with Steph Curry or No. 7 pick Harrison Barnes.

Each of the Warriors' "bad" contracts, like Orlando's, last until at least 2013-14, so one of Golden State's two young studs would have to not only be part of the deal but also be performing at a high level for the Magic to pull the trigger.

Not likely, but still possible.

Los Angeles Clippers

In January, Chris Sheridan reported that the Clippers were on D12's list of potential suitors with the Nets, Lakers and Mavericks. 

Much has changed in the meantime, but L.A.'s "other" team could provide the most interesting trade chip of the lot—Blake Griffin. While it's blasphemy to suggest that the Clippers would even think about trading their young superstar, a deal could make a lot more sense by February 2013.

Like Howard, Chris Paul is entering the final year of his contract. Also like Howard, CP3 has refused to re-sign with his current team. If Paul's saga drags on into the season and a D12 pairing would make CP3 extend his Clippers run, then it's something that has to at least be explored.

Chicago Bulls

Earlier this month, Hoopsworld's Bill Ingram threw out a theory that the Bulls could possibly be making a behind-the-scenes push for Howard.

And if Chicago's offseason moves are any indication, Ingram might not be far off. The Bulls' hallowed "Bench Mob" is a thing of the past as the team seemingly allowed each player to walk out the door with nary a peep.

With Derrick Rose out well into next year as he recovers from a torn ACL, that's led some to speculate the Bulls are tanking this upcoming season so they can make a run at a superstar to pair with their point guard.

Could it be Howard? I've heard crazier rumors, that's for sure.

Atlanta Hawks

ESPN Insider's John Hollinger (subscription required) was the first to speculate about a possible homecoming for Howard in the summer of 2013.

However, if the wait becomes too much, Atlanta could jump the gun a little early to ensure its dream scenario.

The Hawks have talented 25-year-old center Al Horford and a heap of expiring contracts to dangle for Orlando if the teams want to make it happen.

Obviously this would require assurances from Howard and Josh Smith about long-term deals. But if you're a perspective free agent, will there be any more attractive scenario than playing alongside D12 and J-Smoove? Probably not.

Los Angeles Lakers

The longer the Howard situation stretches, the less likely Superman the sequel will head to Los Angeles.

The Lakers already have an abundantly talented 24-year-old center in Andrew Bynum and will likely stress stability as they try to make a championship run next season.

But if Orlando comes calling mid-season with a three-way deal ready for general manager Mitch Kupchak's stamp of approval, I bet he still pulls the trigger.

Howard is the type of player who guarantees a team 50 wins a season. Bynum just isn't there yet. And as the Lakers slowly transition out of the Kobe Bryant era, having D12 there to pick up the slack will be too much to pass on.

Houston Rockets

Let's just say it how it is. Magic general manager Rob Hennigan could call at any day, at any hour, at any place and ask Daryl Morey to jump for Howard and the Rockets general manager would say, "how high?"

There is literally nothing on Houston's roster that is unavailable, and a stellar rookie campaign from any of the team's three first-round picks can only strengthen the team's position.

Even with Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik in the fold, the Rockets still have the best selection of young assets and cap space that the Magic desire in a trade.

The only question is whether Howard would commit to an extension with Houston, especially so close to free agency.

Answer: not likely.

Brooklyn Nets

The paramount date for the Nets's not completely dead pursuit of Howard is January 15.

That's the first day Brook Lopez, who signed a four-year, $61 million contract this offseason, is allowed to be traded under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement.

If we reach the New Year with Howard still on Orlando's roster, get ready for round three of the never-ending Howard-to-Brooklyn rumor stream. The Nets would again need a third team willing to take back contracts from Orlando, which is always a trickier proposition in-season than in July.

But the fact stays unchanged that D12's No. 1 choice is pairing with Deron Williams and Joe Johnson in Brooklyn. And it also stays unchanged that the Nets's general manager would do anything short of selling his own children to get a deal done. 

Once again, it all comes down to a waiting game.