NBA Trade Rumors: Ranking the Best Fits for Dwight Howard from Worst to First

Chris Paul's situation has officially been resolved, leaving Dwight Howard to soak up all the media attention in regards to where he will land next.

Howard's status in Orlando seems to change by the day, and is no closer to experiencing a resolution than it was a month or two ago. The Magic do not want to relinquish their franchise player without a fight, and Howard seems unsure about what he wants to do next.

Orlando had granted Howard permission to speak with the Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets and Los Angeles Lakers regarding a potential trade, but talks have cooled as of late. And while the aforementioned teams are those who the center is sure to sign an extension with, other teams, such as the Chicago Bulls could come into play.

Where will Howard ultimately land? For his sake, hopefully with the team he fits in best with, and not the other way around. 

New York Knicks

It's hard to imagine the New York Knicks legitimately entering the fold for Howard, but it's an avenue that ESPNNewYork.com's Ian O'Connor feels the team should explore.

The idea of swapping of Amar'e Stoudemire for Dwight Howard is borderline absurd though. Orlando is unlikely to welcome the uninsured contract that Stoudemire boasts, and would likely be looking for more in return, something the Knicks cannot, and should not, agree to.

Additionally, while Howard and Stoudemire would be a great tandem alongside each other, it makes little sense for New York to obtain the center separately. Stoudemire helped revive the franchise, and to send him packing would be an insult.

Furthermore, could Howard and Tyson Chandler really coexist in the low-post? Not at all.

Howard would be a great fit alongside Stoudemire, but not at the expense of him, especially with Chandler on the bill. Unless the Magic are amenable to accepting Chandler and his bloated contract in return—and no, they will not be—New York is not a good fit for Howard.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are a preferred destination for Howard, and according to Jeff Caplan of ESPNDallas, the team is paving the way to make a major play for him. That being said, Dallas is far from the best fit.

Vince Carter and Lamar Odom help make the Mavericks a stronger team, but they, along with Jason Kidd, Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki, are not a symbol of youth. More than half of these athletes may not be in the NBA three to five years down the road.

Howard's next team not only needs to present the opportunity for a immediate contention, but for the foreseeable future. While the center could bank on Mark Cuban doing what he does best and keeping the Mavericks relevant, nothing is guaranteed.

This may turn out to be a moot point, as the Magic will likely trade Howard. The Mavericks have a few valuable pieces on the roster, but not enough to compete with some of the other packages for Howard. Their best bet would be free agency.

At first glance, Dallas is a stellar fit for Howard. Beyond that though, the center would be better off steering clear of Texas. 

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls are hoping to make a strong push for Howard's services, according to ESPNChicago's Nick Friedell, and it's hard to ignore how well the center would fit in there.

Chicago is a championship contender now, and with Derrick Rose on board, they are for the foreseeable future. The Bulls are a deep team, with a wealth of assets they could offer Orlando in return for Howard, specifically Joakim Noah, Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer.

With the recent signing of Richard Hamilton, Chicago's backcourt has been solidified, and acquiring Howard would go a long way in locking down their already stellar front-line. Rose and Hamilton could run rampant on the perimeter, while Howard wreaks havoc in the low-post.

The biggest roadblock to a Howard and Chicago pairing though, is the center himself. He has not named the Bulls as one of the teams he would like to play for long term. 

Perhaps Howard is intimidated by Michael Jordan's legacy, or maybe he just hasn't considered how formidable a pairing of he and Rose would be. Should the latter be the case, he should re-evaluate his options. Chicago is a great fit for the prolific big man.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are not exactly a fountain of youth, but they do have Kobe Bryant and the assets necessary to acquire Howard.

While the Lakers seem reluctant to part with both Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol in exchange for Howard, if push comes to shove, you have to believe Los Angeles doesn't pass on Howard. Even with the center as the lone anchor in the low-post, the Lakers are an incredibly scary team.

The prospect of following Shaquille O'Neal's legacy may be tough for Howard to come to grips with, but he is a gamer, and is unlikely to let that fully prevent him from suiting up in purple and gold.

One concern about Howard's ability to fit in with the Lakers is Bryant's age. He is 33 and now has a history of knee troubles. That being said, Bryant is a workhorse, and it is not illogical to believe he will be amongst the league's best for the next three years, especially with a star center to open up the floor even more.

Additionally, once Bryant comes off the books, the Lakers will then have the cap space to surround Howard with more talent to ensure he stays happy. And there is also the possibility Los Angeles swings a miracle and retains Gasol in any Howard deal, and that's cause enough to stay long term right there.

Howard has options with the Lakers, and that makes them a great fit.

New Jersey Nets

Howard requested a trade to the Nets at one point, and for a good reason, as they present the best fit for the superstar center.

New Jersey engaged in serious discussions with the Magic that would have landed them Howard, even attempting to put together a complicated four-team deal to render Orlando satisfied. Talks have cooled down for now, but only for now.

The Nets boast the likes of Deron Williams, the incredibly savvy floor general with whom Howard would thrive alongside. Howard opens up the floor even more Williams, while also giving himself the All-Star point guard he has never had.

Both Williams and Howard are nowhere near the end of their primes, ensuring that the two would contend for titles for years to come with the Nets. It also doesn't hurt that the team is set to move into the Brooklyn sphere, satisfying Howard's appetite for a larger market.

This time next year, should Howard be donning a Nets uniform, he and Williams could very well be the most formidable tandem in the entire league.

You call follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @DannyFavs2033.