Bulls Rumors: Is Adidas Throwing a Wrench in Dwight Howard to Chicago Trade?

On the surface, the Chicago Bulls seem like the perfect trade partner for the Orlando Magic and an ideal place to land for Dwight Howard, but Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski suggests that Adidas may be responsible for D12's disinterest in Chicago.

Howard and Derrick Rose are both endorsed by Adidas. While it seems completely ridiculous that Adidas would have any say whatsoever in a blockbuster trade that would lay down the framework for a dynasty, it's entirely possible.

Having both of the superstars on the same team wouldn't help out Adidas and though Rose and Howard on the same team would create the best little man-big man combo since Shaq and Kobe in L.A., money takes precedence over winning.

Howard will likely be in a position to have his cake and eat it too. There are a number of attractive teams he could still be traded to and keep Adidas happy.

The Nets, Lakers and Mavericks could all use his services and joining Deron Williams, Kobe Bryant or Dirk Nowitzki would give him a chance to compete for a ring immediately.

This provides no consolation to Bulls fans. It doesn't appear that there is any hope of pairing Rose and Howard and whether the theory about sponsorship is true or not, the catalyst behind the hangup won't change the adverse effect it's going to have on Chicago.

Still, not all is lost. The Bulls are still a serious contender in the East and Rose is an early favorite for MVP. This is disappointing and making moves to please sponsors just doesn't seem ethical, but by no means are Howard or the Bulls handcuffed by this non-trade.

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