By March 15, 2012, (date of the NBA trade deadline) superstar Center Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magics will be traded. At this point, it is more a question of time then of whether it will occur. Even more important is which new team he will join. Howard has thrown out several organizations he would like to join. His list includes the Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers, the New Jersey Nets, and the defending champion Dallas Mavericks.
All of these options seem very plausible, with all teams seemingly having the capability to offer enough to satisfy the Orlando Magic’s administration and gain what they want in a proven talent. Most importantly, Howard reaches a larger market and more formidable surrounding talent.
All of these teams seem like they could use Howard’s production, and moreover, his presence on the court even if he is having a bad game. As an aging team, the Los Angeles Lakers is currently well suited at the Center position with Bynum and Gasol. How would Howard help this team? Lets assume Howard is traded for Bynum, the Center position would be solely Howards. His presence on the court would make all the difference. As he has done his whole career in Orlando, he would draw a lot of attention in the post and present a lot of open shots for men on the wing. Howard would especially help Kobe Bryant, simply because of what people know Dwight Howard can do in the post based upon the past.
Dwight Howard would have this similar effect on any team he would play for. The real thing to inquire about is what team he will be headed to this season. Pepperdine’s freshman forward Ramon Eaton believes Howard will end up playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. “I believe [Dwight Howard] will ultimately end up in Los Angeles playing with Kobe and that Orlando will receive Andrew Bynum, Metta World Peace aka Ron Artest, and possibly Derek Fisher,” he said. However, his teammate, freshman guard Jordan Baker, is in disagreement with the possibility of him being traded at all stating,
“I think Dwight Howard will end up staying in Orlando for the remainder of the season.”
In my opinion his destination is none of the teams Dwight requested. I think Howard’s final destination will be with the Philadelphia 76ers. Now before you write me off as a lunatic think about it for a second. Orlando in exchange for Howard would want some formidable talent and one or two first round draft picks. Philadelphia could offer up Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand, and some type of 1st round draft pick combination and a 3rd team could insert the transaction to fill in holes with the trade.
Howard would also approve of this trade. Philadelphia is a young versatile team that was effective last year and made it to the playoffs. In addition, they have come out strong to this point in the season.
Howard’s biggest concern as a player is to be a part of a larger market and participating with a team that is playoff- ready. Philadelphia, being the place where future Hall of Former Allen Iverson rose, and thrived not to many years ago, thus showing it has market value.
The only question about this trade is if the 76ers would agree to this trade. They could easily wait till this off season to give Dwight nice offer. That way the 76ers could still have a majority of their team intact with Dwight. However, there is no guarantee that Howard will be available this off season and that he could be traded to another team.
Howard going to Philadelphia would be good not only for the 76ers but for the NBA and Orlando. Howard staying in the eastern conference keeps a good competitive balance as opposed to if he goes to the Clippers, Mavericks, or Lakers. The benefits for the 76ers are obvious. Orlando receiving draft picks and to veterans can help them continue to be competitive.
Ultimately if the 76ers want to get Howard, it would have to happen soon. Despite all the inquiring, you can defiantly expect Howard to be wearing a new jersey for the first time in his career.
