Dwight Howard Trade Speculation: The 10 Best Destinations for the Magic Center
Here we go again. Just as was the case leading up to the free agency of LeBron James, the media is already drumming up rumors, speculation and controversy in regards to the impending free agency of Dwight Howard in 2012.
For some reason, we feel the need to delve into a man's mind about what he's going to do more than a year from now and act as though we have some clue when he's said nothing about it.
Howard has refuted rumors that his plan is to play out his current contract and then sign as a free agent with the Los Angeles Lakers.
But what if Howard does decide to not re-sign with the Orlando Magic or the Magic get it in their head that he is going to walk away from them? They'd might be better off making a trade.
Here are the 10 best hypothetical trades for Howard if the Magic decide to deal him before his contract expires.
10. Howard To Oklahoma City For Serge Ibaka
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Oklahoma City is on the brink of being considered a title contender. They have tremendous skill in the back court and at the forward positions. But Nenad Krstic isn't the answer at center. He should be a backup for any team that's contending.
If the Magic were wanting to orchestrate a trade with the Thunder, they wouldn't go after Krstic. They'd go after his 21-year-old backup, Serge Ibaka, who looks much like Howard did five or six years ago. Freakishly athletic, Ibaka is a great rebounder and shot blocker. But his offensive game is rough.
The Thunder could include James Harden to make the deal make more sense in terms of dollars and value.
9. Howard To Los Angeles Clippers
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Can you imagine the front court of Howard and Blake Griffin? The Clippers would suddenly be a playoff team contending for home court advantage in the first round.
The biggest obstacle here would be Clipper owner Donald Sterling. It'd be difficult to convince the notorious penny pincher to take on Howard's $16 million plus contract, even if it meant instant success.
Of course, the Clippers could unload Chris Kaman's contract, which expires in 2012 as well. But that would defeat the purpose for the Magic, since it's trying to get something instead of losing out on Howard's worth altogether.
Maybe if the Clippers would be willing to part with DeAndre Jordan and/or Eric Gordon, things would be different.
8. Howard Sparks Dallas' Championship Chances
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allas needs help in its front court to contend and might be willing to send some serious goods back Orlando's way.
Owner Mark Cuban has said recently that he doesn't mind the idea of "renting" a player for a season if it means his team is contending for a championship because of it.
Dallas wouldn't be a bad place for Howard to re-sign, either. Cuban is committed to winning and Dirk Nowitzki still has good years ahead of him.
7. Howard Gives the Nets a Premier Player They Keep Missing Out On
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The New Jersey Nets missed out on LeBron James and then pulled out of the running to acquire Carmelo Anthony. For some reason, New Jersey seems an undesirable location for the NBA's stars. James saw a better situation in Miami and Anthony wouldn't sign an extension with the Nets.
New Jersey is trying to build, not just improve for a season. So any deal, as was the case with Anthony, would likely require an extension by Howard.
The move would require a third team. The Nets don't have what it takes on their roster to acquire Howard.
6. Howard Is Traded To The Lakers Before He Can Sign As a Free Agent
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Current rumors suggest that the Lakers are growing more concerned with the persistent health concerns surrounding center Andrew Bynum. He's even rumored to part of a potential trade to Denver that would send Carmelo Anthony to Los Angeles.
If that deal falls through, the Lakers wouldn't stop looking for a replacement for Bynum if they truly are concerned about his health.
If they believe they can't win a championship this season or next without making a change, the Lakers wouldn't wait until the off-season to address it. Swap centers with the Magic and send some other considerations as well and the Lakers are favorites.
5. Howard Goes To Motown
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Detroit wants to unload some its roster. If the Magic are desperate enough this season, they could receive Tayshaun Prince and his expiring contract as well as a couple draft picks.
As for next season, Detroit may be in a better place to make itself attractive to Howard. With a little more cap room, Detroit will be in the free agency market this summer or at least be able to deal for players to build around next season.
4. Houston and Orlando Swap Centers With Expiring Contracts
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This is another trade that would involve multiple players. Orlando doesn't want to give up a year with Dwight Howard to take on Yao Ming's expiring contract with Ming out for the year with injury.
But to take on more than just Ming, the Magic would have to send someone else out and pretty much pack it in for the year.
Houston would love to make this happen. Their Ming Dynasty is over, and they would jump all over landing an elite player like Howard.
3. Portland Puts Greg Oden Behind It
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Portland has already opted to not pick up its team option on Greg Oden's contract, meaning the injury prone center will be looking for a new team this summer.
Portland knows that it needs more size to contend for a title. And they're willing to pay luxury taxes to get the players they want.
Patrick Mills, Wes Matthews and Niclas Batum are all attractive players that could help the Magic in return. Draft picks would be a part of the deal as well.
2. The Knicks Boost Thier Front Court
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A three-team deal similar to the rumored one involving Carmelo Anthony could send Howard to Madison Square Garden. The Knicks could use the defense and have players and draft picks to give up.
However, having Howard and Amar'e Stoudemire in the same front court could get crowded. Both enjoy the offense running through them now.
If New York signs Chris Paul in the off-season, Raymond Felton would suddenly be expendable. He could help solidify Orlando's point guard depth.
1. Howard Replaces Kendrick Perkins in Boston
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The Boston Celtics are having trouble signing center Kendrick Perkins to a contract extension. Perkins wants to test the free agent market instead to see if he can earn more.
It's unlikely that Perkins is still with Boston next season.Shaquille O'Neal is probably retiring after this season. The Celtics could be down two seven-footers next year.
Boston knows that they need a big front line to compete with the Lakers. If that means moving a couple key players and a draft pick to get Howard, it might be worth it.
