NBA Trade Rumors: Dwight Howard Would Be Final Piece to Chicago Bulls Puzzle

Orlando Magic superstar center Dwight Howard has no shortage of suitors, but another one has emerged which could provide him with a long-term home. The Chicago Bulls believe they have enough trading chips to acquire Howard, according to Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago.

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The Bulls believe they have enough young pieces to complete a trade for the perennial All-Star. They will have conversations in the coming days with Magic GM Otis Smith about putting together a package for the talented big man, according to a league source.

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Assuming the Bulls can put together a package centered around Joakim Noah without having to give up another marquee piece, it would put them in great shape heading into the season. Draft picks, cap relief and another young player or two could be enough to land the coveted All-Star.

Even though Chicago would still have a hole at the shooting guard position, its other four starters would match up with any other team's biggest threats.

Taking some pressure off Derrick Rose will be key. The reigning MVP was forced to carry the team on his back at times last season, which worked well for awhile, but if they want to emerge victorious in a series against the Miami Heat, more even distribution is necessary.

Howard would make that possible. Teaming up with Carlos Boozer in the paint would cause matchup problems for nearly every team in the NBA, including Miami. And come playoff time when every possession is vital, exploitable advantages like that go a long way to winning a series.

The Bulls finished atop the Eastern Conference during the regular season, but fell short of their ultimate goal, so it's good to see them making a push to improve. A lot of teams in the same situation would likely stand pat, hoping for a better result come playoff time.

By pursuing Howard, Chicago shows it will not stop short of building the best team possible in order to keep up with the other rising powers in the East.

The Bulls already have enough talent to contend, but another elite talent like Howard would put them in a championship-or-bust situation. While those type of expectations bring added pressure, players wouldn't want it any other way.

While everybody should find out over the next couple days if these Howard-to-Chicago rumors have any legs, the Bulls should do everything within their power to get a deal done.