NBA Trade Rumors: Chris Paul vs. Dwight Howard, Who Will Get Traded First?

When it comes to NBA trade rumors, everything takes a back seat to the possible trades of both Chris Paul and Dwight Howard.

We've heard everything on Paul including his trade demand to New York, a possible swap with Boston for Rajon Rondo and the latest rumor involving the Warriors' Stephen Curry.

The same goes for Howard whose name has been rumored everywhere from the Los Angeles Lakers, to the New Jersey Nets, to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Comparing the two superstars, both will be a big piece for a team looking to make a run at an NBA Championship, but which guy gets moved first?

If you're looking short-term, I have to think neither guy gets dealt quickly. Both Howard and Paul will likely begin the 2011-12 season with their current clubs.

Thinking more on a long-term basis though, I would lean towards Howard being the first of the superstars off the board for several reasons.

First of all, Orlando GM Otis Smith is the type that will make a bold move. He's already stated that he wouldn't rule out a deal for Howard, so I would expect him to pull the trigger if the right deal came along.

Secondly, Howard is a dominant big man. Those type of players just don't come along all the time. Smith is likely to get the more attractive offer than the Hornets may get for Paul right off the bat.

Finally, there's Andrew Bynum.

Let's assume that both guys stick to their guns and will only sign extensions with the team of their choice. That, of course, is Paul to New York and Howard to the Lakers.

The Lakers have the young Bynum to dangle as a trade chip while the Knicks really don't have much at all.

So while I don't expect either guy to get dealt right away, if one of them is going to be on the move I would expect it to be Howard.