Why Chicago Bulls Must Make a Play for Dwight Howard

Depending on what day of the week it is, Orlando magic center Dwight Howard might want to be traded.

In a saga that is starting to resemble a soap opera, on even-numbered days of the month Howard wants out of Orlando and on odd numbered-days he wants to stay alongside Mickey Mouse.

Seeing that today Howard is fine in Orlando and doesn't want to be traded, tomorrow there is a good chance that he will.

If that's the case, one team that needs to jump to the front of the line in an attempt to acquire the All-Star center is the Chicago Bulls.

Since Magic GM Otis Smith made it clear that he will explore deals with every team in the league and not just the three on Howard's wish list, the Bulls should make an attempt to be aggressive and steal Howard before the rest of the league knows what hit them.

If they are concerned about Howard signing an extension, playing alongside reigning MVP Derrick Rose should be enough to convince any player to sign on the dotted line.

The Bulls can build a package around cap relief, young talent and attractive draft picks, and have already entered trade talks.

With all of the talk the past couple of season's about Miami's "Big Three" and the Knicks' attempt at forming their own version of that, it was the Bulls who finished last season with the best record in the Eastern Conference.

However, what acquiring Howard to pair with Rose means is that the Bulls would be around for the long haul among the Eastern Conference elite teams.

Sacrificing a small part of the future to acquire a talent like Howard makes too much sense and is something the Bulls need to make happen.

That is depending on what Howard's mood is that day.