NBA Trade Speculation: Dwight Howard and Offseason Deals for All 30 Teams
The offseason is already underway for 28 of the NBA's 30 teams. They're all looking to the draft, free agency and the trade market to try to figure out how to play into June for some future season.
Every offseason, there seems to be a few big trades that we feel at the time might change the balance of power in the league.
This year, several big names have already emerged in the rumor mill.
Dwight Howard, Steve Nash and Andre Iguodala are just a few who might be available this summer. There are several more.
Some of the details I'll present in this slideshow may be a little outrageous. Others make perfect sense. Here are potential offseason trades for all 30 teams...
You can follow Andy Bailey on Twitter @_Andy_Bailey
Atlanta Hawks
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The Deal: Josh Smith and Kirk Hinrich for Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest
This trade made a lot more sense about a week agobefore we learned that Andrew Bynum might be "untouchable."
If this deal did go down, it would make a lot of sense for both teams.
The Lakers desperately need to upgrade at point guard and small forward while the Hawks need a true center to move Al Horford to his natural position of power forward.
Boston Celtics
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The Deal: Ray Allen and Avery Bradley for Taj Gibson, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer
The Bulls need a shooting guard and Ray Allen could be a great fit with this young Chicago team.
Prior to Carlos Boozer's poor playoffs performance, this deal could have been very realistic. However, Chicago might be interested in moving Boozer now, which would make them want to hang on to Gibson.
If they did pull the trigger on a deal like this, they'd look to retool their bench with two late-first-round picks in this year's draft.
The deal would make a ton of sense for the Celtics. A young core of Rajon Rondo, Jeff Green and Taj Gibson could be eliminate any kind of rebuilding phase for Boston.
Charlotte Bobcats
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The Deal: Stephen Jackson, DeSegana Diop and Matt Carroll for Mo Williams and Chris Kaman
The Clippers badly need a small forward and may be willing to take on a couple sketchy contracts to get a solid wing like Stephen Jackson.
The Bobcats would receive two recent All-Stars. Kaman is one of the most productive centers in the league, and Williams can still fill it up when he gets hot.
Chicago Bulls
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The Deal: Carlos Boozer for Corey Maggette and Keyon Dooling
Following a terrible showing in the playoffs, Boozer could be on the trade market this summer. It will be extremely difficult for the Bulls to move him though.
He's at the start of a huge contract, undersized and constantly exposed on defense.
One team that might want a power forward bad enough to absorb Boozer's deal is the Bucks. They were the worst offensive team in the league last year, and Boozer can still score a little bit inside.
He and Andrew Bogut could be a solid duo in the frontcourt.
Maggette's on a bad deal himself, but he may be able to slide over to shooting guard and fill a gaping hole in Chicago's lineup.
A starting five of Derrick Rose, Maggette, Luol Deng, Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah would be tougher than the one the Heat just knocked out of the playoffs.
Cleveland Cavaliers
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The Deal: Antawn Jamison for Kirk Hinrich and Zaza Pachulia
Antawn Jamison will be playing on an expiring contract this season, but even that might not be enticing enough to overcome the fact that he's a 35-year-old, defensively challenged forward.
The most likely scenario for Jamison is a trade and subsequent buyout.
Dallas Mavericks
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The Deal: Rodrigue Beaubois, Shawn Marion, Jason Terry, Jason Kidd and Dominique Jones for Dwight Howard and Gilbert Arenas
If Dallas wins the NBA Finals, they probably won't be making any deals at all. If they don't, Mark Cuban is not immune to overreacting.
Following the reports that Andrew Bynum may be untouchable, some have speculated that Dallas may be on Dwight Howard's short list of teams he'd like to play for.
A frontcourt combination of Howard and Dirk Nowitzki would be one of the best the NBA has ever seen.
There are really only two real benefits to this deal for Orlandolanding the oozing-with-potential Beaubois and ditching Arenas's atrocious contract.
Denver Nuggets
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The Deal: Raymond Felton and Kosta Koufous for Shaun Livingston, DeSegana Diop and a first-round pick
The Bobcats were not the same team without Raymond Felton. He was the team's franchise point guard for his entire career and led them to their first playoff appearance in 2010.
The deal works for Denver because of the first-round pick and the fact that they get a solid point guard who has no problem being a backup for Ty Lawson.
Detroit Pistons
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The Deal: Richard Hamilton and Ben Wallace for Carlos Boozer and Omer Asik
This one is probably the most far-fetched so far. I don't see any way the Pistons would take on Boozer's contract, but they really need a shooting guard, and Richard Hamilton is available.
They may be able to get Hamilton without trading for him, as recent reports have the Cavaliers looking to acquire and then buy out the former All-Star.
Golden State Warriors
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The Deal: Monta Ellis for Andre Iguodala
This deal has been in the rumor mill for at least a year now. A straight swap of Ellis and Iguodala makes so much sense for both teams.
Iguodala would be the perimeter defender Golden State desperately needs, and Ellis would be the go-to scorer Philadelphia doesn't have right now.
Still need convincing on this one? Read this for a detailed explanation.
Houston Rockets
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The Deal: Terrence Williams for Omer Asik
Terrence Williams has a lot of potential but can't seem to find his way onto a coach's good side right now.
He played very well near the end of his rookie year and averaged a triple-double during a brief stint in the D-League this year.
He could be a great backcourt partner for Derrick Rose, and the Rockets really need a true center to replace Yao Ming.
Indiana Pacers
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The Deal: Danny Granger for Jason Terry and Rodrigue Beaubois
Like I said before, don't expect the Mavs to make many deals unless they lose this upcoming series with the Miami Heat.
They need a legitimate second scoring option, and Danny Granger could definitely fill that role.
Indiana needs some scoring at shooting guard, and the emergence of Paul George has led some to believe that Granger may be available this summer.
Los Angeles Clippers
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The Deal: Mo Williams for Corey Maggette
Williams started his career with the Bucks and could be just what they need to get their offense back on track.
The team really struggled without a legitimate backup point guard like they had in Luke Ridnour last year.
The Clippers can move Williams because Eric Bledsoe showed he has the potential to be a starting point guard in this league.
Their biggest need is at small forward, and bringing Maggette back could fill that void nicely (at least offensively).
Los Angeles Lakers
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The Deal: Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest, Steve Blake, Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracter for Dwight Howard and Gilbert Arenas
It's been mentioned here a couple times, but Andrew Bynum may be untouchable. If that's the case, there's no way the Lakers land Howard this summer.
If they really want the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, they'll have to give up a lot of pieces to get him.
The deal obviously makes sense for the Lakers, especially since they have three second-round picks they can use to replenish their bench.
For Orlando, they get a great young center, one of the league's best point forwards and they get out from under Gilbert Arenas's unbelievably bad contract.
Memphis Grizzlies
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The Deal: O.J. Mayo for Hakim Warrick
The Grizzlies tried to trade Mayo for a backup power forward at this past season's deadline but submitted paperwork on the deal for Josh McRoberts a few minutes late.
Mayo still has a ton of potential and could thrive in an uptempo system like the one they run in Phoenix, and Warrick is a better player than McRoberts.
Miami Heat
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The Deal: Chris Bosh and a future first-round pick for Jameer Nelson, J.J. Redick and Ryan Anderson
Whether they win the finals or not, the Miami Heat are not likely to make any trades this offseason. The only way anyone gets moved is if the Mavericks completely steamroll the Heat.
If that does happen, Chris Bosh is obviously the most expendable member of the big three. He could be used to land a two or three solid players.
On Orlando's side of this deal, a frontcourt combo of Bosh and Dwight Howard would be excellent.
Milwaukee Bucks
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The Deal: Corey Maggette, Carlos Delfino, Drew Gooden and Jon Brockman for Chris Bosh and Mike Miller
Like I said in the previous slide, it will take a monumental meltdown to make Miami think about moving anyone this offseason.
If they do, this deal would make some sense for them. They'd be a much deeper team but would likely have to start LeBron James at point guard (something I thought they should have done this year).
For Milwaukee, it would be a great deal. A starting five of Brandon Jennings, John Salmons, Miller, Bosh and Andrew Bogut could make some noise in the east.
Minnesota Timberwolves
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The Deal: Jonny Flynn for Carlos Delfino
The Bucks need a backup point guard and have a surplus of decent wings. This deal wouldn't cause much of a stir, but it would make sense for both sides.
New Jersey Nets
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The Deal: Damion James for Dominique Jones
The Nets basically have no tradeable assets. So this is a tiny deal.
Damion James was a first-round pick last year, and the Mavericks could use a little more depth at the forward positions.
New Orleans Hornets
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The Deal: Chris Paul for Chauncey Billups, Landry Fields and a future first-round pick
This one's pretty far-fetched, but Paul is exactly what the New York Knicks need. Billups is on an expiring contract, and Landry Fields has the potential to be a very good NBA player.
Those two players obviously wouldn't be enough to get the deal done though. New York would probably have to ante up every tradeable draft pick they have left.
New York Knicks
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The Deal: Chauncey Billups and Landry Fields for Tony Parker
From the Knicks side, this deal involves the same people as the last onethis time the target is a bit more realistic.
Following San Antonio's playoff failure and some off-the-court issues, Tony Parker could very well be available this summer.
Parker has the speed and quickness needed to be an elite distributor and likely would be in Mike D'Antoni's system.
He would pile up the assists throwing the ball to Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire.
The deal makes sense for San Antonio, who needs to kick start a rebuilding period. They can let Billups walk when his contract expires in 2012, and Fields could be a very real piece of their future.
For more on this trade, go here.
Oklahoma City Thunder
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The Deal: Nate Robinson for Mike Miller
Nate Robinson has had a very interesting NBA career. Whenever he gets opportunities, he's very productive (over 17 points per 36 minutes for his career).
The thing is, he seems to have to work harder to get on the good side of his coaches than most other players.
He barely made it onto the floor for Oklahoma City after they acquired him as part of the Kendrick Perkins deal, and it's obvious he's not a part of their future plans.
He could make sense for the Miami Heat, who need a point guard and players who can space the floor.
Robinson can be both of those things, especially when you consider the fact that LeBron will do most of the ball handling.
The deal makes sense for the Thunder because they have plenty of talent in the backcourt and need a more legitimate backup small forward behind Kevin Durant.
Orlando Magic
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The Deal: Dwight Howard, Gilbert Arenas, Ryan Anderson and J.J. Redick for Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng, Taj Gibson, Omer Asik and Ronnie Brewer
Dwight Howard is bound to be the centerpiece of countless rumors between now and next season's trade deadline. The most recent one gaining momentum has the Chicago Bulls pursuing Orlando's big man.
According to a report in Slam Magazine, the recently eliminated Bulls are already looking to put pieces together in an effort to acquire the three-time defensive player of the year.
The report doesn't go into any specific players outside of Howard, so this story is open to a ton of speculation at this point.
It's safe to assume that Orlando will insist on Gilbert Arenas being included in any deal involving Dwight Howard. Considering his production, Arenas may have the worst contract in the NBA.
The Magic won't be excited about losing Howard, but ditching Arenas would be a nice little silver lining for them.
The tricky thing for other teams is how much money is involved when Howard and Arenas are both in the deal well over $30 million.
Under the NBA's current salary cap rules, you have to ship out roughly the same amount of money you bring in for any trade.
For the Bulls to match the incoming cash from the Magic, they'd have to give up their big contracts. On top of that, they'll have to send promising young talent to make the deal worthwhile for Orlando.
It's not far-fetched to think that this deal could involve as many as 10 players.
From Chicago's side, Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng and Ronnie Brewer are the big contracts they would send. Taj Gibson, Omer Asik and Joakim Noah represent the promising young talent.
Orlando would send Dwight Howard and Gilbert Arenas—plus Ryan Anderson and J.J. Redick to balance the deal.
This trade would really hurt Chicago's depth, but they do have three picks in this year's draft—two of which are in the first round.
Plus, having a roster that features Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard would make them a threat even without any other premier names.
If they stood pat after such a deal, their starting five would likely read Rose, Redick, Kyle Korver, Anderson and Dwight Howard.
Certainly not the kind of defensive stalwarts Tom Thibodeau might want, but they'd be extremely potent on offense.
The balance of Rose and Howard's scoring around the basket with the perimeter shooting of Redick, Korver and Anderson would be nearly impossible to defend.
For Orlando, they'd have a solid foundation to build around for the future in Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah—and they could flip Carlos Boozer to another team in need of a power forward (like the Bucks).
Of course, this is all wild speculation right now. But you have to admit, the thought of Howard and Rose together is intriguing...Fast Don't Lie
Philadelphia 76ers
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The Deal: Andre Iguodala for Chris Kaman
If Andre Iguodala becomes available this summer, the Los Angeles Clippers will almost certainly be interested in acquiring him.
They need a small forward, and Iguodala's perimeter defense and passing ability would make the team better on both ends of the floor.
The deal makes sense for Philadelphia because Evan Turner has shown flashes of being able to fill Iguodala's shoes, and they need a good center.
Phoenix Suns
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The Deal: Steve Nash for Chauncey Billups and Landry Fields
The old Chauncey Billups and Landry Fields idea rears its ugly head again.
Who knows if the Knicks will want to move these two or not, but it's clear that the team is incomplete, and Billups and Fields are the only assets New York has that any other team would want.
The Suns need to move Steve Nash and officially start a rebuilding. This may not be the best deal they can get for him, but New York may be on Nash's list of teams he'd like to play for if he's traded.
Portland Trail Blazers
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The Deal: Andre Miller and Marcus Camby for Pau Gasol and a future first-round pick
Andre Miller and Marcus Camby are getting old (35 and 37). The team really needs to get younger and while Gasol is no spring chicken himself, he does turn back the clock a little bit.
Andre Miller would be a big upgrade over Derek Fisher, and Marcus Camby would be a great backup big to Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom for the Lakers.
Sacramento Kings
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The Deal: Beno Udrih for Drew Gooden
I've already mentioned it on this slideshow, but I'll say it againMilwaukee really needs a backup point guard.
A lot of people think Sacramento may be targeting Kemba Walker in this year's draft, so Udrih may be available to fill that role for the Bucks who can offer size in return.
Gooden has always been fairly productive wherever he's gone and could be a solid veteran presence.
San Antonio Spurs
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The Deal: Tony Parker for Chauncey Billups and Landry Fields
OK, this is the last time I'll mention Chauncey Billups and Landry Fields on this slideshow. And yes, I know I had this trade on the Knicks slide too. It just makes so much sense.
Toronto Raptors
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The Deal: Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon and Linas Kleiza for Devin Harris and Mehmet Okur
Everyone listed in this deal has been rumored to be available at some point over the last year.
Some feel the Raptors are done trying to build around Andrea Bargnani, and he would give the Jazz exactly what they've missed since Mehmet Okur's injury issues got started.
Calderon is more of the kind of pass-first point guard the Jazz are used to, and Kleiza gives them some scoring on the wing.
Harris makes the Raptors younger and more athletic on the perimeter, and Okur is on an expiring contract.
Ultimately, this deal would be a salary dump (a big one) for Toronto.
Utah Jazz
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The Deal: Devin Harris and Paul Millsap for Chauncey Billups and Landry Fields
OK, I lied—this is the last time I'll mention Billups and Fields.
This deal would give the Jazz a lot more financial flexibility and a wing who could start for them for years.
For New York, they get two legitimate starters. Imagine how productive a point guard as fast and athletic as Harris could be in Mike D'Antoni's offense.
Washington Wizards
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The Deal: Andray Blatche for Brandon Bass and Daniel Orton
Orlando needs to shake things up a bit. The constant barrage of three-pointers and alley-oops haven't led to a championship and now Dwight Howard may be moving soon.
They need one more good run at a title if they're going to convince their All-Star center to stick around.
Blatche probably isn't any more skilled than Bass, but he is at least three inches taller and a frontcourt that consists of him and Howard would be very good.
More on the NBA
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You can follow Andy Bailey on Twitter @_Andy_Bailey
