Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Deron Williams Completes Dream Pairing for NJ Nets
The New Jersey Nets reportedly have a trade package for Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard prepared, in an attempt to create a dream pairing with he and Deron Williams.
While Nets GM Billy King went on to refute that they have engaged in talks with Orlando, New Jersey's interest in Howard has been apparent for a while now.
Acquiring Williams without a guarantee that he would sign a contract extension was a necessary risk for the Nets to take, but that won't ease the pain should they wind up watching him sign with another team next summer. It is up to New Jersey to convince Williams to stay, and obtaining Howard would be a great start, as well as a finish.
Howard is the most dominant defensive player in the league. He blocks shots and grabs rebounds like a fiend, and is the poster boy for physical fitness. He prides himself on his strength and plays tough, physical basketball.
Williams is of the same piece of mind, as he plays extremely physical ball, especially for a point guard. He is incredibly strong and puts an emphasis on the lost art of defense as well.
The two together would create quite a force on the defensive end. Their work ethics on that end are near unmatchable, as are their results. It would be the same story, just a different side of the ball on offense. Howard has really polished off his low-post game, and Williams has always been an offensive connoisseur.
If Howard and Williams wind up playing on the same court, for the same team, they will be a force unlike any other. Both players have never had the luxury of another superstar to play off of and would likely embrace the opportunity to do so with each other.
Yes, a pairing of Howard and Williams would certainly be a dream pairing, but unlike most dreams, this one has a legitimate shot at becoming reality.
New Jersey's package would consist of center Brook Lopez and two draft picks in return for Howard. To sweeten the pot, they are likely to offer to take back Hedo Turkoglu's bloated contract, a move that becomes financially feasible once they amnesty Travis Outlaw.
Lopez has proved to be a capable low-post player on both ends of the floor, and given further time to develop, he could become a bona fide star in this league. That is surely something the Magic will at least have to consider, as is the fact that they would be receiving two first-rounders in the deal as well.
Are there other teams that will come into play? When speaking in regards to a player of Howard's caliber that is a certainty, but the Nets' potential package is a competitive one to say the least.
Unlike most potential superstar pairings, this one does not fall under the category of fairy-tale-type wishful thinking. A Howard-and-Williams pairing is not only exciting to consider, but an actual possibility.
So, New Jersey—and take this in the most non-sarcastic way fathomable—keep dreaming.
You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.
