Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard. (Photo : Getty Images)
An imminent blockbuster trade involving Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard is all over the NBA trade rumors circle these days as the All-Star big man is said to be "unhappy" in Texas and a possible homecoming to Orlando is one of the predicted scenarios that could happen before the February trade deadline.
Almost three weeks ago, Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops reported that Howard "is extremely unhappy in Houston playing second fiddle to alpha dog James Harden".
The report would bring to mind the same predicament the eight-time All-Star had experienced during his brief time with the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant and it had also led to numerous rumors linking Howard to different teams such as the Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, and New Orleans Pelicans.
Playing a secondary role and the current funk that the Rockets are in right now record-wise (they are currently touting a 16-19 record for eighth place in the West after losing four straight games) are said to be two reasons why Howard is keen on requesting to be traded to a new team this midseason.
Andrew Bailey of Today's Fastbreak suggested five "possible trade destinations" for Howard and one of them is a reunion with his original NBA ball club, the Orlando Magic.
Bailey suggested a deal that sends Howard back to the Magic for Nikola Vucevic, Channing Frye, and Victor Oladipo.
While the scenario is approved by the ESPN NBA Trade Machine and Hollinger's Analysis projected an increase in both teams' projected wins this season, the important question is would Orlando accept such a deal and would they benefit from it?
Bailey noted that "Vucevic is a better offensive player than Howard, but Scott Skiles is a defense-first coach and Howard gives the Magic the anchor they lack" on defense. He also said that letting go of Vucevic would give young players Mario Hezonja and Aaron Gordon more playing that could contribute to their growth as players.
It is also interesting to note if Orlando would be willing to let go of a budding star in Olapido, although the chance to have Howard back would be too spicy to pass up.
