It’s no secret that Dwight Howard is disgruntled in his role with the Houston Rockets, and it’s not surprising that he is now the subject of NBA trade rumors. It’s quite possible that a huge three-team trade could be in the works between the Rockets, New Orleans Pelicans, and New York Knicks that could see the big center end up in the “Big Apple.”
All three teams are struggling this season already, and big changes need to be made. Not only would the changes help shake up the rosters, but it would also move around some money that could help each of them build their teams even more.
According to Yibida , the blockbuster three-team trade would happen before the NBA’s trade deadline arrives in February. The deal works, money-wise, for all three teams and is one that could benefit each in different ways.
The proposal would have the Houston Rockets receiving Omer Asik and Ryan Anderson from the New Orleans Pelicans. They would also get Derrick Williams and Jose Calderon from the New York Knicks in the deal.
The New York Knicks would get Dwight Howard from the Rockets and Luke Babbit from the Pelicans.
Finally, the New Orleans Pelicans would get KJ McDaniels from the Houston Rockets and then Robin Lopez, Kyle O’Quinn, and Terrence Jones from the Knicks. Lopez spent time with the Pelicans a couple of years ago, and many were confused when he was traded away.
New Orleans would get a solid big man in Lopez, who would easily help Anthony Davis under the basket. McDaniels and Jones would also help New Orleans in their rotation, which is severely lacking at the three and four positions coming off of the bench.
Houston would greatly improve from the addition of Anderson, who is one of the best fours in the league and a great shooter. Williams is a great player coming off of the bench, and would give them depth that they desperately need.
As for the Knicks? Dwight Howard heading there and filling up the lane at center would put make a strong frontcourt with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. That’s not even mentioning players such as Cleathony Early and Lou Amundson coming off the bench.
SportsGrid altered the rumored trade a little bit and threw Carmelo Anthony into the mix and involved the Chicago Bulls.
That trade would have Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson heading over to the New York Knicks, while Anthony landed in Chicago. The numbers make sense, but it’s hard to think that Anthony would alter his no-trade clause to go to the Bulls, who have a bit of inside fire among teammates.
With Dwight Howard constantly in the news and reportedly wanting to leave due to having to play with James Harden, numerous trade rumors are popping up for him. SportsGrid had another one that would actually see him land with the New Orleans Pelicans.
In the trade, Howard would head to New Orleans while the Pelicans would send Omer Asik, Ryan Anderson, and Quincy Pondexter to Houston. Anthony Davis would finally have a serious All-Star to play with, and the money would even out for both teams.
That trade is hard to imagine, though, as it’s one that includes nothing but soon-to-be free agents that could all leave by summer.
Dwight Howard may not be as anxious to leave the Houston Rockets as he was a month ago, but that’s not going to stop the trade rumors before the NBA’s deadline. The New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, and New York Knicks could all make big moves, but some may not have even been discussed yet.
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