Dwight Howard’s expected trade: Potential venues Orlando Magic will be eyeing if needed
The tradition of the superstars changing teams after few years has become more pronounced in the recent past as the world of NBA has witnessed a number of players taking their talents somewhere else. LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Deron Williams are few of the many superstars that became part of the trend.
The latest relocation involving a huge star might take place at the shores of the South Beach this offseason, as Dwight Howard nears the end of his contract with Orlando Magic.
At this point, The Magic are trailing 2-3 in the first round post season matchup against the Atlanta Hawks and the prolific centre is determined to spearhead his team in the showdown. However the potential venues Orlando will be eying on, if they have to fulfil an expected trade after the NBA finals can be:
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers is one franchise that is associated the most with Dwight’s shift. The two defending champions posses the charm and appeal that can easily influence a player of Dwight’s calibre.
Although Otis Smith, the Orlando general manager, is trying his best to retain Howard at Orlando, however if he fails in doing so, the Lakers have the best chance to acquire the superstar. In return, Orlando will be looking for a player who can lead on the offensive side of the court and at the same time supports the defence. The Lakers have a couple of options in this regard and the magic can benefit from that.
Dallas Mavericks
Mark Cuban and his aging side are in desperate need of a big man, who can take the Dallas Mavericks to new heights. Cuban has been looking for another big gun to support the Mavs’ line-up for long now and in the form of Howard, he has an ideal candidate. In case, the Magic make a move for a trade deal, the Mavericks will certainly enter the discussion. However, their package will only be attractive if they include Tyson Chandler and Rodrigue Beaubois in the package. This will provide the Magic some depth up front.
Portland Trailblazers
Portland Trailblazers will be the third potential venue the Magics can look forward to. If the Trailblazers offers Marcus Camby (expiring contract), Gerald Wallace and a young player or a draft pick, both the teams can benefit extensively.
If this deal happens, Orlando will have a strong centre to support the team on both offensive and defensive sides, a prolific small forward who plays an outstanding two way basketball along with a young valuable prospect. On the other hand, with the presence of LaMarcus Aldridge and Howard, Portland’s front court will become extremely dominant.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have made their intentions clear that they are looking to infuse some star power in the line-up to support their sensation named Blake Griffin. The best defensive player of the league and by far the most prolific post scorer, Dwight Howard, will present an ideal choice for them, if the Magic enter the market to trade Howard.
The Los Angeles Clippers however will have to let go Eric Gordon, DeAndre Jordan and Mo Williams to trade the big man Dwight.
Gordon is an instrumental young player with an incredible ability to shoot the ball on a consistent basis whereas Jordan is very effective on the rebounds. The Clippers on the other hand, will become a formidable line-up with Howard and Griffin.
Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in the article are the writer’s own personal views and has nothing to do with bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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