Dwight Howard Trade Scenarios: Potential Deals Orlando Should Make If Needed
The NBA world is no longer new to seeing superstars changing places.
This summer the league saw numerous big names such as LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Amar'e Stoudemire "take their talents" elsewhere.
With these players choosing to cash in instead of stick around with the teams that drafted them, paranoia combined with the media caused teams to trade their superstars out of fear that they'd be left with nothing.
This is what caused the Nuggets to trade Carmelo Anthony and the Jazz to trade Deron Williams.
The same moves that these teams made this season may be the move the Orlando Magic should make either this offseason or over the course of next year.
If they do go that route, here are some potential deals they should make.
Los Angeles Lakers
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The Lakers are one of the teams that are commonly associated with Dwight Howard and his potential movement next year.
Los Angeles has the market and talent to appeal to a player with superstar status such as Dwight's.
The Lakers have the players to make a deal with the Magic benefit both teams and this option is actually one that I consider very likely.
The Lakers could offer the Lakers a package that includes Andrew Bynum and picks as well as another one of their talented players to throw into the deal.
The Magic would get back a very young player who is one of the best at his position when healthy and would be able to continue playing the same style offense that they are playing right now.
Portland Trailblazers
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One team that I think could make a play for Dwight is the Portland Trailblazers.
The Blazers usually aren't brought up when it comes to these types of big name guys, but I think they have the pieces to make a deal.
If the Blazers offered the Magic a deal that included Gerald Wallace, Marcus Camby (expiring contract) and another young player or pick, the Magic would be very tempted to pull the trigger.
The Magic would get a good small forward who plays great two way basketball, a shot blocking center who can provide them with another good year or two and some more youth.
The Blazers on the other hand would have the most dominant front court in NBA history.
LaMarcus Aldridge with Dwight Howard next to him would be unstoppable and would make a tandem capable of winning numerous championships together.
Dallas Mavericks
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The Dallas Mavericks are another team that could enter discussions about trading for Dwight Howard.
Mark Cuban has been trying to find another go to guy for his Mavericks for years now and every big name that has become available, he has inquired about.
The Mavericks would have to re-sign Tyson Chandler for this deal to happen, and I believe that they'll do it anyway because he's had a great year.
If the Mavericks were to make the deal happen for the Magic's superstar, the package would have to include Tyson Chandler and Rodrigue Beaubois.
These two players would be very nice for any team to have and the Magic would also get another player to make the salaries match—perhaps Jason Terry who will be an expiring contract next season.
Los Angeles Clippers
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If Los Angeles is a desired location for Dwight then Los Angeles should be a desired location for Dwight whether it's the Clippers or Lakers.
The Clippers have a talented roster that is very close to contending not only for a playoff spot, but in those playoffs as well.
The Clippers may be able to trade for Dwight with a package of Eric Gordon, DeAndre Jordan and Mo Williams (expiring contract).
Gordon is an incredible young player at the shooting guard position and Jordan is what I call a poor man's Dwight.
The Clippers would have a front court that includes Blake Griffin and Dwight Howard. The back court they could then address with free agency or go within the system and develop Eric Bledsoe and Randy Foye.
New Jersey Nets
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Last, but not least...the New Jersey (Brooklyn) Nets.
The Nets are the team that has been talked about the most in relation to Dwight Howard. After pulling off what seemed to be theft when trading for Deron Williams, Mikhail Prokhorov will now set his sights on Dwight Howard.
With a package of Brook Lopez, Travis Outlaw and perhaps Kris Humphries (if resigned) the Nets would have a real chance at acquiring Dwight Howard.
Putting Dwight Howard with a point guard as good as Deron Williams would make the Nets a very good team with only a few positions to fill until they can contend for a championship.
The Magic on the other hand would get another good center and potentially two good forwards if that is the deal.
They wouldn't need to go into a rebuilding stage and the pain of losing Dwight wouldn't be as bad while they are still most likely a playoff team.
