Dwight Howard to the Chicago Bulls: Dissecting the Trade Parameters
Dwight Howard has made it very clear that he will not sign an extension with the Orlando Magic. Currently, it is believed that Superman is simply using the threats as leverage to get his current team to provide him with a better cast. What happens if the potential free agents fear that Howard is not committed to Orlando, or teams simply don't like what the Magic have to offer in terms of a trade? Will Howard be forced to face his bluff and sign elsewhere?
If so, it is this writer's belief that the best potential trade partner is the Chicago Bulls.
No, not the Lakers. They don't have the same trade bait as the Bullies. Enough with the Andrew Bynum talk. He needs to prove he can stay healthy and committed before any team is going to trade an All-Star player for his talents and potential.
Not the Clippers. Blake Griffin isn't going anywhere.
Let's take a look at the likely parameters of this trade.
Chicago Acquires Dwight Howard
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Possibly the easiest slide in the history of Bleacher Report is having to explain why the Bulls would want to trade for Dwight Howard. He would be Superman to Derrick Rose's Batman and would provide a defensive presence in the middle of an already potent Chicago group.
By demanding offensive double-teams, he would open up the floor for Derrick Rose and allow Omer Asik and Carlos Boozer to see more playing time in the paint. Chicago would provide exactly the stage that Howard is looking for, and the tandem of Howard and Rose would dominate the East for a decade.
Chicago Acquires Hedu Turkoglu
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With the Turk having three years and $30 million left on his current contract, the Magic will try to unload either his contract or that of Gilbert Arenas. Turkoglu seems to be the more likely target and will provide some leadership and bench scoring for the Bulls. His defense is suspect, so expect him to be on the floor with the likes of Gibson and Asik, who can support him defensively when Howard isn't on the floor.
Orlando Acquires Joakim Noah
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As much as Bulls fans might not like losing their emotional leader, Noah is the center of the Bulls package to Orlando. He is the eventual replacement for Howard and will be embraced by Orlando fans because of his tenacity and also because of his history in the state of Florida with the Gators. He'll roam the paint for Orlando for the next 10 years. Orlando will demand Noah, and the Bulls will wisely oblige.
Orlando Acquires Luol Deng
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Luol Deng is one of Chicago Bulls Coach Tom Thibodeau's favorite players. The coach won't be happy to see Deng going to Orlando in this trade, but the addition of Deng is necessary. Deng has been injury-prone over the past several years, and after a good 2011 campaign, now may be the best time to include him in a blockbuster trade. His value will never be greater. The Bulls will need to look to free agency and maybe Turkoglu to pick up the scoring that leaves with Deng.
Orlando Acquires Taj Gibson
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Once again, I need to remind Bulls fans that you have to give up something good to get something great. The Orlando Magic will demand that Taj Gibson is paired with Noah in this trade to provide them with solid big men for years to come. Bulls fans will need to hope that Carlos Boozer can regain his form and Omer Asik is the defensive backup that the team thinks he can be. Taj Gibson will continue to grow in central Florida.
Orlando Acquires Kyle Korver
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Korver is necessary in this trade to make the salaries match up, but he could provide some adequate scoring for Orlando. Korver and J.J. Reddick are almost the same player, but Reddick plays best when his minutes are limited. Korver allows this.
Orlando Receives Keith Bogans
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Bogans did a serviceable job for Chicago this year, but his salary, like Korver's, is necessary to make this trade get through the NBA offices. Bogans provides a nice option off of the bench as well as a starter capable of playing the 2 or 3, depending on the matchup.
Orlando Acquires the Bulls' Future Draft Pick from the Charlotte Bobcats
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This pick was traded to the Chicago Bulls from the Charlotte Bobcats as part of the Tyrus Thomas trade. Depending on how the Bobcats finish over the next four years, it could be as high as a top-eight pick. It will serve in this trade as a "sweetener" to help Orlando give up their best player.
I welcome your thoughts and analysis!
