NBA Trade Speculation: 5 Swingmen That Would Complement Dwight Howard Perfectly

The mark of every great NBA team is a great swingman to contribute.  For those who don't know the definition, a swingman is a basketball player capable of playing both small forward and shooting guard. The Chicago Bulls dynasties had Scottie Pippen and currently the Los Angeles Lakers have Kobe Bryant, to name some examples.

Yet, one team with so much potential that just doesn't have the swingman to put them over the top is the Orlando Magic.  In an article I published during the NBA playoffs, I made the point that the reason the Magic were underachieving against the Atlanta Hawks was because their game was so one-sided on both ends of the floor.

That label is not far off, seeing as how the team seems to rely solely on center Dwight Howard for both offense and defense.  If Howard were paired with a man who could shoot effectively as well as play solid defense at the No. 3 spot, perhaps he could finally win that elusive title.

Here are five men who could help Howard reach that goal.

No. 5: Carlos Delfino

Since coming to the Milwaukee Bucks two seasons ago and thus getting the opportunity to play regularly, 29-year-old Argentinian Carlos Delfino has become a decent swingman.  Over the past two years, he has averaged 11.2 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 36 percent from three-point range.

While his solid play could be welcome in Orlando, he is still a question mark regarding durability.  Last season, he appeared in only 49 games.

Still, if Delfino is traded to Orlando and adjusts well to Coach Stan Van Gundy's system, he could prove to be an under the radar acquisition that ultimately helps the Magic reach the Finals.

No. 4: James Posey

James Posey has been known for two things in his 12 year career.  He can play lockdown defense and shoot three-pointers in the clutch.  If the Magic are serious about contending, they should seriously consider adding the veteran swingman.

On paper, Posey may not look impressive.  He only appeared in 49 games last season and shot just 31 percent from beyond the arc.  Still, this man has won two championships (one with Miami, one with Boston) and could be a valuable presence on the roster.

If Posey can stay healthy and be at the top of his game for the whole season, he would be a valuable member either in the lineup or on the bench for the Magic.  His shooting would wake up the team and his tough defense would take some of the pressure off of Howard.

No. 3: Nicolas Batum

In each of his three NBA seasons, Nicolas Batum has improved in all major categories.  Last season, in splitting time between the bench and the starting lineup, Batum averaged 12.4 points and 4.5 rebounds on 35 percent three-point shooting.  If the 22-year-old Frenchman can keep improving on both sides of the floor, then he would be the perfect man to complement Howard in Orlando.

Be it on the bench or in the lineup, Batum's contributions to the team could provide that extra spark needed to bring the Magic over the edge.  He could provide decent shooting and tough defense, something that everyone else on the team needs to step up so that every game isn't just another episode of The Dwight Howard Show.

No. 2: Danilo Gallinari

He may be built like a power forward at 6'10" and 225 pounds, but Danilo Gallinari has the makes of a top swingman in the making.  For his size, he has an electrifying three-point shot and last season showed amazing improvement in driving hard to the basket on both offense and defense.  After being traded to the Denver Nuggets last season, Gallinari averaged 14.7 points and 5.4 rebounds.

He's still young at age 23, but his contract expires at the end of the upcoming season before he hits restricted free agency.  Considering his talent and the players the Magic could give up to acquire him, this pairing could be a match made in heaven.  Gallinari would bring electrifying shooting to Orlando and on top of that, he could help shoulder some of the load on defense.

No. 1: Kobe Bryant

No, I'm not implying that the Magic should break the bank to trade for Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.  Rather, I am suggesting the opposite.  The Lakers should trade volatile center Andrew Bynum for the man known as "Superman."

Ever since last winter, there has been speculation about deals that could bring Howard to Los Angeles.  Call me crazy but if Howard wants to win a title, this is a trade that would totally make sense for him.  Just imagine what the Lakers' lineup would look like if the team traded Howard for Bynum:

C: Dwight Howard

PF: Pau Gasol

SF: Ron Artest/Lamar Odom

SG: Kobe Bryant

PG: Derek Fisher

I don't know about you, but that's a lineup that scares the hell out of me.  This is a team that would just be flat out dangerous.

That being said, I'm going to go out on a limb right now and say that Dwight Howard is the greatest center since Shaquille O'Neal.  The latter player left Orlando for Los Angeles, so perhaps it is time for Howard to request a trade there.  Every Shaq needs his Kobe and were this to happen, Howard would literally have Kobe.

At that point, perhaps the Lakers would get back to the NBA Finals and Howard would win his ring.