The NBA Trade rumors host Dwight Howard as the allegation that he's unhappy continues to hound him.
The big news seemed like a surprise to most, but there are some observers who note that it was just a matter of time that D12 might blow up. Chris Sheridan placed his name on the line in a report in his own site, Sheridan Hoops. He said that Howard was 'extremely unhappy' and that the Houston Rockets would move him to the best destination, the Miami Heat.
With this claim, ESPN Insider Kevin Pelton notes that the Rockets should actually trade Howard. For one thing, the already assume (or actually certain) that the former Defensive Player of the Year will opt out of his contract and command big money in free agency. Would the Rockets agree to pay north of $ 25 million for what Howard brings to the table now?
The Rockets have Clint Capela, a budding starting center who has proven to be a reliable rim protector. Losing D12 won't leave a gaping hole for Houston, and there is a big chance that they might also get a center in return.
In one of the trade scenarios that Pelton outlined, the Washington Wizards are a viable destination as they can send Howard's former backup, Marcin Gortat and a huge expiring contract in Nene.
"Howard would be an ideal fit for the four-out system the Wizards have moved to this season, and if he opts in Washington would probably still have enough cap space next summer to sign a max free agent (read: Kevin Durant)," Pelton said. "But the Wizards would leave themselves perilously thin in the middle in case of a Howard injury, and it's not clear his former backup (Gortat) would be enough of a return for Houston to deal."
It is assumed that the Wizards should send draft consideration, possibly a future first round pick. Houston may also ask for rookie swingman, Kelly Oubre, Jr. It might be a steep price but joining a trio of John Wall, Bradley Beal and Dwight Howard may be too enticing for KD.