Stop me if you have heard this before: Dwight Howard wants out of Orlando.
Howard has once again demanded a trade from Orlando. With his contract expiring after this year, the Magic could easily decide to ship Howard elsewhere. With many potential trade partners, Howard could end up in one of many places.
There are 3 logical destinations for Howard, but as we have seen before with the big man, things can change at the blink of an eye.
1. Brooklyn Nets -- UPDATE
The Magic trading Howard to the Nets is the most logical outcome for many reasons. Most of all, Howard has stated that he will only sign a long term deal with the Nets.
This statement could scare off several of the other teams that are interested in trading for Howard's services. These teams fear that giving up many major pieces to only rent Howard for 1 year would not be worth it. The Nets are also a logical destination because they have several trade-able players that would interest the Magic and fit the salary cap rules. Brook Lopez, the young Nets center, is the key piece in a potential Magic-Nets deal. If the Nets throw in MarShon Brooks, the two teams could be well on their way to a deal. Bottom line is this: Howard wants to be in Brooklyn, and the Magic don't want him to walk away in free agency. A trade benefits all entities.
UPDATE 7/2 5:45 EST
The Nets have agreed to a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, sending Joe Johnson to Brooklyn. This makes landing Howard via trade significantly harder for the Nets. The Nets still have a valuable trade piece in Brook Lopez, but cap room is a big problem in a possible deal. This could knock Brooklyn out of the Howard sweepstakes. If the Nets are out, watch for the Texas teams and the Lakers to make a push for Howard.
2. LA Lakers
The Lakers have the 2nd best chance of landing Howard because they have the simplest way to do so: A straight up Bynum for Howard swap.
No confusing cap rules, no additional players, and a reasonably fair trade for both teams. The Magic get a knucklehead franchise center and so do the Lakers. Another option for a swap between these two teams could be a three way trade including Pau Gasol. There are however several potential roadblocks to this trade. First, the Lakers will be weary that Howard won't resign after this year. Second, the Magic could fear the same thing about Bynum's expiring contract. The two teams certainly don't want both players to walk in free agency.
3. Orlando Magic
All indications are that the Magic will trade Howard. He has stated that he will walk in free agency if the Magic fail to trade him, which the Magic certainly don't want.
The Magic seem to have no option but to trade him for assets. BUT, the Magic seemed to be in a similar situation last year. Howard wants to be in Brooklyn, but it seems that he can't quite part ways with the Magic either. Maybe it's the Florida weather, maybe he feels he owes the Magic something. Who knows. But Howard couldn't cut the tie between himself and the Magic last year, and its quite possible that he will do the same this year. The chances of this greatly increase if the Magic are able to add solid help for Howard via trade. The is still a long shot.
There are several other options for Howard, including Dallas and Houston.
The Rockets might have the best deal in terms of trade value to the Magic, which would certainly entice the Magic to deal him for as much as they could get in return. Remember: the Magic are trading Howard, they get to decide who they trade him to. Dallas is also an intriguing destination for Howard. The Mavericks only have a real chance at Howard if they are first able to land Deron Williams. If Williams signs with Dallas this offseason, leaving the Nets in serious trouble, all bets are off.
UPDATE 7/2 5:45 EST: The Nets have agreed to a trade with the Hawks for Joe Johnson. This puts the Nets behind the 8 ball in a potential Howard deal. As I said at the beginning of the story, you never know with Howard. It looks as if the Texas teams are back in the mix.
It will certainly be interesting to see where Howard lands, but at the current time, Brooklyn is the best bet.
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