NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Reasons Dwight Howard Shouldn't Be Traded
When the Orlando Magic's playoff run ended early in the first round against the Atlanta Hawks, the rest of the NBA immediately began speculating about one player.
The most dominant center in the league becomes a free agent in 2012. After "The Decision" of Lebron James, many believe that Dwight will be moved before he becomes a free agent so that the Magic can at least get something in return for him.
This would not only be detrimental to the Magic franchise, it would be catastrophic.
The Magic organization has already gone through an eerily similar situation with another Superman, but here are five reasons why he shouldn't be traded before he becomes a free agent.
1. Still Time to Make Trade Moves to Compliment Dwight
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There is still a whole year before Dwight Howard becomes a free agent.
Between now and then, Otis Smith has plenty of time to make some moves to keep Dwight in Orlando.
It is no doubt that the other players on the Magic did not perform up to their full potential in this year's playoff run, and all of them are expendable to bring a big name to Orlando.
Earlier this season, Smith had the chance to bring in Zach Randolph before the trade deadline, but didn't act because he thought the team was set for a deep playoff run.
Otis Smith cannot afford to make a mistake like that again.
The only problem will be cap room for the Magic.
Arenas and Turkoglu's highly inflated salaries will be hard to trade off, but if the Magic can find a taker for either, they should jump on the opportunity.
2. Possibility of a Super Team in 2012?
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Earlier this season, there was a lot of talk about Chris Paul being unhappy with his situation in New Orleans. Where was one of his talked about destinations?
Orlando.
Similar to the James/Bosh/Wade situation, Paul goes free agent the same time as Dwight.
Many think that both Dwight and Paul will team up on another team.
However, if Dwight likes the Orlando area like he appears to and can talk to Paul, there doesn't seem to be any reason that Dwight can't play the role of Dwayne Wade and bring Paul to Orlando like Wade brought James and Bosh to Miami.
Coupled with some trades the season before to bring in another big-time player, the combination of Dwight and Paul would be one of the best teams in the NBA immediately.
It's high-risk to wait until Dwight goes free agent to hope for Paul, but if the Magic are able to pull it off, the rewards would be unimaginable.
3. No Trade Will Give the Magic the Value of Dwight Howard
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If the Magic do trade Howard, they essentially enter a complete rebuilding phase. The possible trades that are flying around the rumor mill give the Magic no more than consolation prizes for the power of Dwight Howard.
When you trade away a top-five player, you will not get back your value in that trade.
Dwight Howard for Andrew Bynum or Pau Gasol is a popular trade that has been talked about.
If Dwight was going to leave, the Magic would want something in return. However, a player like Gasol or Bynum will not cause defensive players to crash the paint like Dwight does when he gets the ball.
Not to mention, Howard's status as a defensive juggernaut cannot be matched by any player.
Essentially, a trade would end the Magic's status as an elite defensive team. A complete reworking of the team would have to begin post-trade to change the dynamic and play style of the team that has been relying on Dwight Howard for its anchor for so long.
4. A Whole Year with Dwight Is Always a Playoff Year
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Despite the Magic's major collapse in the playoffs, Dwight Howard had one of his best playoff performances of his career.
Trading Dwight before the deadline of 2012 would end the Magic's chances of going to the playoffs again for a long time.
So, why not spend one more year with Dwight and take the risk?
The Magic held the fourth seed and had fairly good performance from its role-players in the regular season. There is no reason why they can't make a better run in 2012 with a few changes.
A run to the Eastern Conference Finals or even the NBA Finals could also be a major factor in keeping Dwight in Orlando. If the organization and his teammates can step up to the plate, there is no reason why they can't use this final year to convince Dwight to re-sign.
One thing is certainly true: If you have Dwight Howard, you are a playoff team.
5. The Magic Can't Afford to Lose Dwight Howard
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As I've said before, if the Magic trade Dwight Howard, they will enter a complete rebuilding mode for at least a few years. The Magic franchise simply can't afford to lose Dwight Howard under any situation.
He has become the face of the franchise.
His friendly personality and happy-go-lucky attitude have been adopted by the fanbase of the city. He has brought media attention to a franchise that before had been wallowing in irrelevancy.
There is also the brand new $480 million Amway Center that was built mainly due to Dwight Howard being in Orlando.
If the Magic trade Howard, they will essentially be admitting defeat and fall to a lower level Eastern Conference team.
The question is this: Will the new Amway Center become "The House that Dwight Built" or will all those seats be empty except when Dwight comes to town in another team's colors?
Otis Smith and the franchise have a choice.
The Magic fanbase is just praying they make the right one.
