Dwight Howard (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Houston Rockets star big man Dwight Howard has a possibility to be traded before the deadline, according to a report.
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders projected on a Twitter post that Howard could exit Houston via trade before the season ends, considering how the Rockets have failed to keep their status as contenders in the Western Conference and around the league.
Bill Simmons also predicted on NBA Reddit that the Rockets have "one big move" coming in December or January.
The move Simmons is talking about could possibly be Howard as he has the chance of declining to exercise his player option on the final year of his contract next season.
Howard has not been effective for the Rockets this season despite playing 32.7 minutes per game and averaging 13.6 points and 12.7 rebounds.
The Rockets have won a game after firing Kevin McHale, but the team went back to a slump, losing three straight games against the Memphis Grizzlies and the New York Knicks. This suggests that the Rockets' problem is not just the coach, but also the players.
His inefficiency on both ends of the floor may have something to do with James Harden's style of offense, but the declining performance of the three-time Defensive Player of the Year is not helping Houston and may be a sign that Howard needs a fresh start on another team.
Hoops Habit believes trading Howard would provide the Rockets a "much-needed bump on offense that could further reinforce their chances at an NBA title."
"Either way, if they don't get rid of Dwight Howard right now, he'll eventually dump them once his player option kicks-in after the 2015-16 season."
If the Rockets decide to trade Howard, Dallas would be an ideal landing spot.
The Dallas Mavericks have been without a dominant and athletic center who could protect the rim and control the boards ever since they had Tyson Chandler.
Howard would certainly provide those kind of contributions to the Mavs and pairing him to Dirk Nowitzki instantly creates a frontcourt tandem of offense and defense, which could give opposing teams some problems.
However, it would be hard for the Mavs to maneuver a trade involving Howard's hefty contract if this trade scenario materializes.
Given Howard's contract situation with the Rockets and a history of bolting out from the Los Angeles Lakers in the past, it is hard not to believe these type of predictions. But the Rockets' struggles continue to bring panic to the franchise, and they may need to shakeup their roster to rediscover their winning formula.
