Chicago Bulls: Sitting Pretty in the Dwight Howard Sweepstakes

Most NBA fans are nervously following the unproductive talks during the current NBA Lockout and wondering if any games will actually be played next year.

The tone and message from NBA Commissioner David Stern has been fairly dire, suggesting that the loss of entire season is not only possible, but probable.

The fans of most NBA teams should be concerned that the work-stoppage will put a serious dent in their favorite teams' plans for a title.

Everyone except fans of the Chicago Bulls.

As Chicago was losing four straight to Miami in the 2011 NBA Eastern Playoffs, most fans and prognosticators agreed that for Derrick Rose and company to compete in the East and challenge for NBA Championships, GM Gar Forman needed to add improved scoring and defense around his All-Star point guard.

The number one prize that is potentially available on the market is Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard.

Howard plans to opt out of his current contract, making him a free agent in the summer of 2012.

Howard has stated that he prefers to remain in Orlando if the team can attract more talent to put around him, but the lockout will only make accumulating pieces that much more difficult.

Ultimately, Howard is going to have to make a decision: remain with his current team and risk having to compete with neighboring Miami and other growing menaces in the East, or continue his career in a place where he can be more visible and promoted through larger venues and winning.

During this time—when Dwight Howard has time to work on his game with Hakeem Olajuwon and consider his options—he will be asked questions about his upcoming decision about a million times.

By the time the new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement is reached, he'll start feeling the pressure to make the best decision for his brand and his career.

That decision is easily the Chicago Bulls.

Chicago offers Howard the larger market he craves, while also providing him with the perfect point guard to accentuate his improving game.

In addition, Chicago offers a coach that can best utilize his defensive prowess in Tom Thibodeau and a fanbase that will elevate his brand worldwide.

Due to the marketing empire that was Michael Jordan, China and other huge money-making countries know all about the Chicago Bulls.

The new CBA is most likely to provide for teams to offer their own player the most money, but the marketing and off-the-court opportunities for Rose/Howard will easily make up for any differences in salary that Chicago can offer.

In addition, the Bulls will be in a much better financial position to offer Howard the maximum money he seeks by the summer of 2012, with expiring contracts and potential secondary trades to clear cap space.

If the 2011-12 season were played in its entirety, the Magic would have the opportunity to explore trades and/or the pursuit of CP3 during the year to add to the mix in Orlando.

Magic GM Otis Smith would also be able to gauge Superman's interest in signing a new contract or begin exploring trade opportunities.

Even under this scenario, the Chicago Bulls are in a position to offer the most attractive trade pieces with players such as Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Omer Asik, Taj Gibson and a potential future lottery pick from Charlotte to offer in a trade package.

Bulls fans, relax.

The lockout is a good thing for you.

Waiting for the next 20 months may just provide you with the tools to win multiple championships with the combination of Superman and Roseman.