NBA Trade Scenarios: 5 Ideas for the Orlando Magic If Dwight Howard Wants Out
Dwight Howard, the Orlando Magic's superstar center can opt out of his contract in the summer of 2012.
Already, journalists around the nation are exploring scenarios in which the three-time Defensive Player of the Year could be moved out of Orlando with hopes of having a better chance to contend for a championship.
Although Howard has expressed his desire to remain in Orlando, it will be tough to ignore the pressure and spotlight of joining another team if the Magic fail to make any significant moves to better the roster for Howard.
With superstars like Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Deron Williams being moved to other teams this past season, it is difficult to imagine Howard won't do the same if the Magic remain static during next season.
If he begins to want out of Orlando, the best thing the Magic could do is trade him in order to get great value for such a dominant center like Dwight Howard, instead of gaining nothing out of him leaving via free agency.
If it comes to that point, here are the five trade scenarios that the Magic could make in order to better the franchise, despite the departure of Howard.
5. Traded to Golden State for Monta Ellis
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Now, this scenario seems a little crazy, and rightfully so. But the Warriors are a young team with loads of talent.
Monta Ellis, who is in the middle of a long-term deal with the Warriors, is one of the elite scoring guards in the league.
However, with the drafting of Stephen Curry, it seems as though the Warriors are more focused on building their future teams around Curry, rather than Ellis.
Sending Dwight Howard to the Warriors would allow the Magic to gain a great scorer, which would help soften the blow of the departure of Howard.
Also, the Warriors could dump the large contract of Andris Biedrins to make room for Howard down low.
It would give the Warriors an automatic presence in the paint, which is something they have been lacking for a considerable amount of time.
The Magic would be able to acquire some of the Warriors young talent and draft picks, as well, which would help them start building for the future without Howard.
They would also get David Lee in the trade who is a solid big man who would allow the Magic to retain some presence in the paint.
Not to mention, the Magic would not see much of Howard throughout the season. They only play the Warriors twice out of the year.
Howard could thrive in front of the Warriors home crowd which is one of the loudest in the league. Although the Warriors would still be a few years away from seriously contending for a championship, the combination of Curry and Howard would be a great foundation for a strong team in the future.
Although this is a highly unlikely trade, it could still be on to consider if the Magic are concerned with seeing Howard many times throughout the season.
Trade Recap: Howard for Monta Ellis, David Lee, Ekpe Udoh, and draft picks
4. Traded to the Lakers for Andrew Bynum.
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The biggest speculation about Dwight Howard's next destination in the NBA is in Los Angeles to play for the Lakers.
Journalists believe if Howard wants the big market and bright lights of the NBA, LA is where he should go.
The Lakers are team that won two NBA finals in a row in 2009 and 2010. With stars such as Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant that are aging, the Lakers need another superstar who can be the long-term future for the Lakers.
Andrew Bynum, who has played his entire career with the Lakers since coming out of high school, has never quite reached up to his full potential with the Lakers.
His best season with the Lakers was in 2008-2009 when he averaged 15.0 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
Unfortunately, his career has been laden with injuries and has only played in all 82 games one season of his career.
In this trade, the Lakers get what they want in a young superstar center in Dwight Howard. The Magic receive a young center who can get a new start in Orlando along with high potential players from the Lakers such as athletic guard Shannon Brown.
Howard to Lakers would be especially interesting for Magic fans who will be reminded of the eerie similarities between Howard and Shaq's departure to Los Angeles.
Trade Recap: Dwight Howard for Andrew Bynum, Shannon Brown, draft picks and/or trade exceptions
3. Traded to the Nets for Brook Lopez
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The Nets are team who were desperate for a superstar coming into the 2010-2011 season. They got what they were looking for in point guard Deron Williams.
Now, they are looking for the complementary piece for Williams in order to keep him in New Jersey.
Howard would fit that part perfectly. The Nets are a superstar way from being a strong playoff team every year.
The inclusion Howard would allow him and Williams to be one of the best duos in all of the NBA.
The Nets could offer the Magic lots of young talent and draft picks. Mainly, Brook Lopez would be a good centerpiece for the Magic in return.
Lopez could be a star center in a few years. In his three years in the league, Lopez has increased his points per game from 13.0 to 18.4. If Lopez could be more consistent on the boards, he could be a dominant center, especially being seven feet tall.
Along with Lopez, the Nets have other young players such as Travis Outlaw, Daimon James, and Kris Humphries.
Add in draft picks and the Magic have some young replacements for Howard and have a solid foundation to build off of for the future.
Trade Recap: Dwight Howard for Brook Lopez, Travis Outlaw, Daimon James, Kris Humphries, and draft picks
2. Traded to the Knicks for Amar'e Stoudemire
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Much like the Nets, the Knicks were in search of a superstar to bring to the bright lights of New York City.
They signed Amar'e Stoudemire in last year''s offseason and traded for Carmelo Anthony. As those two stars begin to gel, the Knicks are a team on the rise.
Now, this trade to the Knicks would be the most unlikely of these five scenarios, but if the Knicks wanted Howard, it would take a lot for the Knicks to give up.
Amar'e Stoudemire would be the biggest part of the trade for the Magic. He's from central Florida and would be a hometown hit. Stoudemire would be the centerpiece of the Magic for several years down the road and could be a great player to build off of.
The Knicks could also add upstart shooting guard Landry Fields. He has shown a lot of promise in his rookie year, averaging 9.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Although the Knicks would probably not disband the nucleus of players they've assembled over the past few years, both teams could still explore this trade. It could be a very intriguing trade opportunity for both franchises.
Trade Recap: Dwight Howard, Brandon Bass for Amar'e Stoudemire and Landry Fields.
1. Traded to the Bulls for Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng
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Last offseason, the Bulls searched for another star to accompany Derrick Rose. They signed Carlos Boozer in hopes of bringing back a championship.
Rose blossomed into a MVP and led the Bulls to the best record in the NBA.
Eventually, the Bulls were ousted out of the playoffs by the Heat. And one apparent problem for the Bulls was the inconsistent play from the other players besides Rose.
There is speculation that the Bulls still need that superstar to finally put them over the top as a championship contender.
Howard could provide that consistent play down low and would be the anchor of the Bulls' defense.
It would give Rose a big body and reliable presence in the paint while he drives to the hoop in hopes of dishing the ball for the assist.
The Bulls could deal the Magic Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng. Both are two solid players who have the potential to be leaders on a team. Both can be scorers from their respective positions and players that a fan base can get behind.
As long as the Magic acquired a solid point guard along with these two players, the Magic could still be in great position to contend for a playoff spot every year.
Trade Recap: Dwight Howard for Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng
