The Rockets are still playing like crap and there’s speculation Daryl Morey might dump his soft, clownish big man Dwight Howard. The 30-year-old Howard is reportedly unhappy with his role on the team and he can opt-out of his contract after this season. Maybe Houston wants to get something before Howard bolts.
ESPN Insider Kevin Pelton finds a few trade scenarios, one which involves the Celtics:
Package: David Lee, Tyler Zeller, future first-round pick (See in ESPN trade machine)
Lee wouldn’t have much value to the Rockets, who might just buy him out. Besides offering some flexibility with the hard cap Houston is working under this year after using its non-taxpayer mid-level exception, this trade is all about getting one of Boston’s huge stockpile of picks to flip in another trade. That could work out like when the Rockets traded Kyle Lowry to the Toronto Raptors for a lottery pick that ended up being a key part of the James Harden deal months later.
I’ve never liked Howard’s attitude and always thought his offensive game should be better. But to be honest, this scenario doesn’t make my skin crawl. Maybe because he can still be a monster rebounder and shot blocker. That future 1st round pick is the key. Forget those Brooklyn picks. Maybe Boston’s own 1st rounder or one we have coming from Memphis or Dallas?
Any deal with Dwight hinges on his next contract. I’m sure Danny Ainge would be aware of Howard’s demands.
There are a lot of variable. Would he be willing to work as hard as Brad Stevens wants him to? Could Howard help the Celtics land another big name free agent?
Curious what you guys think.
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