NBA Trade Speculation: 10 Potential Deadline Deals Involving Dwight Howard
To date, there isn't any player in the NBA hotter than Dwight Howard.
His name is on the top of the stat sheet, as well as the rumor wire every night.
Howard might very well be the front runner to win the league's Most Valuable Player Award, and the Magic would like to hold on to him.
Quite frankly, there is no other center near Howard's talent, but the question remains whether he'll be with the Magic much longer.
Superman's contract ends in 2012, but will Orlando be willing to part with him if he's unsure about resigning? Here's 10 potential trades involving Howard that might happen at the 2011 deadline...
Dwight Howard For Monta Ellis and Picks
1 of 11
The Golden State Warriors have recently considered shopping star guard Monta Ellis.
He signed a six-year contract worth $66 million in 2008, so he'll be locked up until 2014-15.
Ellis would definitely change the look of Orlando's offense since he plays at such a fast pace, and the Magic are ready for a new guard with Jason Richardson and Jameer Nelson running the backcourt.
As for Golden State, Beidrins is ineffective on offense, and if they could obtain Howard, they'd make the trade in a second.
David Lee and Brandon Bass might be added pieces to the deal if Orlando feels they need more.
Don't look past this deal though...
Dwight Howard For Deron Williams
2 of 11
Here is an interesting thought.
Williams is a superstar in this league too, and all signs point to him leaving Utah in 2012.
Ironically, both of these men are free agents in 2012, and Utah might want to take a stab at trading for Howard and attempting to sign him.
Of course, Utah would have to trade Al Jefferson, but Dwight Howard and Paul Milsap in the front court would be monstrous for the Jazz.
Williams and Howard both want to win a title, but will Utah be able to prove to Dwight that they'll make trades? Probably not, but this trade is a fun one.
Dwight Howard For Andrew Bynum, Shannon Brown and Picks
3 of 11
The Lakers are reeling right now. In fact, Dwight Howard dealt them a beating this past Sunday.
Los Angeles would have a giant upgrade at center with Dwight Howard, compared to the young and talented but hurting Bynum.
Orlando would gain a few young pieces in the deal, but unfortunately, the Lakers' draft picks are nothing special.
Kobe's squad would be nearly unstoppable with Howard, but L.A. would have to clear a lot of cap space for this trade to happen.
Ron Artest's trade stock is currently minimal too. This trade is not very likely.
Dwight Howard For DeMarcus Cousins and Picks
4 of 11
Sacramento is young and packed with talent.
DeMarcus Cousins is their star in the making, but the Kings are having problems with Cousins' attitude right now.
Howard would help Tyreke Evans develop by taking the pressure off of him.
The Kings might be able to give up Cousins and two first-round picks, since they're bound for the lottery in the next couple years.
Orlando will have their big man of the future in Cousins, and can find their wing player in the draft. This deal won't be mentioned, but it makes sense for both teams.
Dwight Howard For Joakim Noah, Ronnie Brewer and Picks
5 of 11
The Bulls didn't want to include Noah in a deal for Carmelo Anthony, but Chicago should consider this one.
Noah hasn't yet reached his prime, and Howard's skills are refined. Can you imagine the Derrick Rose/Dwight Howard combo?
In this deal, Orlando would add Brewer, who's versatile both inside and out on offense, and a few mediocre draft picks.
Noah is a solid building block for the future. Orlando might be intrigued if this trade is proposed.
Dwight Howard For O.J. Mayo, Zach Randolph and Pick
6 of 11
In this deal, Orlando would get immediate star talent and would still compete in the East for years to come.
As a negative though, O.J. Mayo's troubles off the court might be too much to handle, and Randolph doesn't provide the size of Howard.
Memphis is competing for a playoff spot this year, and with Sam Young's recent emergence, they might not need Mayo.
Zach Randolph is an offensive and rebounding juggernaut, and maybe a first-rounder would sweeten the deal for Orlando.
Since Rudy Gay signed a large contract in 2010, Orlando might want him instead of Mayo.
Dwight Howard For Yao Ming, Aaron Brooks, Kevin Martin and Picks
7 of 11
The key here is Yao Ming.
At any point, he coule retire from his nagging foot injuries or Houston might void his contract.
Orlando would catch a huge break if Yao's contract is voided.
Kevin Martin is a stud, and Aaron Brooks is a deadly shooter still developing as a point guard.
Orlando would once again renovate their team, but Houston may have more trading pieces than any other team.
Houston is willing to give up a fortune for Carmelo Anthony, but why not take a stab at the best center in the league instead?
Dwight Howard For Al Horford and Josh Smith
8 of 11
Al Horford might very well be the second best center in the NBA, behind Howard of course.
Josh Smith would start for Orlando too, and he'd be a nice upgrade from Brandon Bass.
Atlanta can't seem to get very far in the playoffs with their current starting line up, but it would be nice to see Howard and Joe Johnson play together.
Orlando receives the most proven talent in the deal, and maybe Atlanta would be willing to throw in a pick or two as well.
Dwight Howard For Chris Paul and Pick
9 of 11
Chris Paul is most likely leaving New Orleans next season. This trade is truly fantasy though.
This trade would be one of the most star-studded deals in the history of the league, and it's very appealing on paper.
New Orleans would have to find a way to deal Emeka Okafor, while Orlando would have to deal Jameer Nelson.
I don't think either player would re-sign with the teams they're traded to, but it's worth a thought, right?
Dwight Howard For Danny Granger, Roy Hibbert and Picks
10 of 11
Indiana would benefit greatly from this trade.
They have Darren Collison running the point, and Paul George/Tyler Hansbrough developing too.
Danny Granger is a scorer who can catch fire at any time, and Roy Hibbert has picked up his effort and lost some weight.
Orlando would obtain some appealing draft picks from Indiana, but they'd lose the big power down low.
Indiana needs a true superstar on their roster, this may be their time to make a proposal.
How Likely Are These Deals?
11 of 11
Truthfully, none of these deals are very likely to happen.
Expect the Magic to hold on to Howard, and try to pitch him an extension this summer.
Howard is having the best season of his career at the age of 25, and the best of him is yet to come. Superman is comfortable in Orlando, and this team will do anything to keep him.
Don't count on Howard being traded by the deadline, but it's always OK to imagine, right?
