NBA Trade Rumors: Surprise Teams That Could Pursue Dwight Howard

With the talks of NBA All-Star Dwight Howard possibly landing in Los Angeles or New Jersey, history has shown that speculation can take crazy turns. That being said, is it really down to just the Lakers and Nets for Howard's landing place?

While Howard is eligible for free agency after the 2011-12 season, it seems highly unlikely that he will finish the season with the Orlando Magic.

Howard, who is just turning 26-years-old, is coming off his best NBA season, averaging 22.9 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks a game. He also managed to make another All-Star appearance and win his third straight Defensive Player of the Year Award.

The scary thing?

Howard is just now reaching his prime.

For one lucky team, he could be the player needed to lead a championship team. Let's check out some teams that could turn some heads with offers.

Houston Rockets

With Yao now officially retired from the NBA and an afterthought for many fans, Houston must now looks for the next centerpiece around which to build their franchise. If Howard somehow slips into free agency next season, the Rockets could throw some major figures at him in order to secure a bright future.

While Houston doesn't have the ideal trade bait needed to bring in Howard, it remains unlikely that they have a shot at acquiring him this season, but we have seen crazy things happen before.

Howard would come to a team that's on the brink of playoff contention, however, a big man is just what the Rockets need to achieve liftoff.

Houston has two established NBA players in high scoring Kevin Martin and a technically skilled Luis Scola, but also has potential breakouts who could be great role players.

With the West possibly going into a power shift in the next few years, Houston could put the correct talent around Howard and really create a championship contender.

Los Angeles Clippers

It seems as if the Lakers are not the only Los Angeles team looking to make a major impact in the offseason. After rumors have swirled about New Orleans looking to dish superstar Chris Paul off to the Clippers, things are expected to get real interesting in the City of Angels.

The Lakers have also shown interest in acquiring both Howard and Paul together, but that seems quite unlikely based on assets, contracts and various issues elsewhere. However, don't be surprised to see both players Los Angeles-bound.

If it is Paul that ends up with the Lakers, look for the Clippers to chase a better prize in Dwight Howard.

With great potential players like Eric Gordon, Eric Bledsoe and even DeAndre Jordan possibly available for a swap, both teams could really benefit from this potential franchise-changing trade.

A healthy Gordon could provide Orlando with a great scoring option and the player needed to put a supporting cast around.

As for Howard in LA?

Putting him along side future superstar Blake Griffin in a front court should speak for itself.

Oklahoma City Thunder

How would a combination of the best defensive player and best scorer in the NBA look side-by-side?

My guess would be an eventual championship for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

After a huge stride in playoff contention last season for the Thunder, it's questionable if point guard Russell Westbrook is in the team's future plans.

When thinking about possible trade destinations, Oklahoma City seems like the best fit for Howard as far as a future and rings go, but it will not provide Howard with a lot of marketing opportunities and exposure.

If Howard wants to worry more about winning instead of other possibilities, being along side Kevin Durant will provide chances for years to come.

Durant is a versatile scorer who continues to improve every year in various aspects, but most impressive is his maturity.

The statistics and intangibles will continue to develop for KD, but I couldn't imagine him and Howard clashing based on personalities.

As for the Magic, gaining Westbrook would give them a combo guard that will be a multiple-time All-Star for years to come if he signs an extension.

Westbrook is capable of leading a team by his self with his dangerous offensive arsenal and could be the best player Orlando could acquire in any scenario.

While Oklahoma City doesn't seem like the front-runner to land Howard, they would create an immediate contender with much upside.

If they were able to complete the deal without giving up James Harden, the Thunder would create their own big three who would destroy opposing competition for years to come.