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NBA Trade Rumors: Stars On The Trading Block

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) during the game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) during the game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 29, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) leaves the floor after being called for a second technical foul in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) leaves the floor after being called for a second technical foul in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets

Position: Center

Age: 30

2015-16 Salary: $22,359,364

Contract Expires: Player Option for 2016-17

Slash Line: .606/.000/.549

Season Averages: 32.1 MPG, 14.2 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 3.5 ORPG, 1.5 APG, 1.5 BPG, 1.1 SPG

Dwight Howard has been referenced in trade rumors for the better part of the 2015-16 NBA regular season. After Howard refuted a Sheridan Hoops report that he’d requested a trade, it now appears as though the Houston Rockets are weighing their options with the trade deadline looming.

According to Frank Isola of The New York Daily News, Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge is intrigued by the possibility of trading for Howard.

"Meanwhile, the Celtics have engaged the Houston Rockets in talks about a possible deal for Dwight Howard, the Daily News has learned."

It’s hard to imagine Houston dealing its franchise center, but with unrestricted free agency a possibility in 2016, it’s entirely possible.

Howard isn’t the explosive athlete that he used to be, but at 30 years old, he’s still one of the most productive players in the NBA. He’s No. 3 in the NBA in rebounding and field goal percentage, No. 4 in offensive rebounds per game, and No. 15 in blocks per contest.

Even if he can’t be the franchise player that many remember him as, those numbers tell the story of a player who can still be a valuable contributor in the right role and system.

Whether Boston or another team is able to trade for Howard, his days in Houston appear to be limited. The Rockets are struggling to stay above .500, and the questionable chemistry between he and James Harden has played a significant role.

Howard can still get numbers, and his postseason resume is much better than its given credit for, but Houston doesn’t appear to be the best home for him.

Next: Two-Time All-NBA Second Team