NBA Trade Rumors: Best Landing Spots for Dwight Howard

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Dec 23, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) and Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) talk during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Houston Rockets 104-101. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: Orlando Magic

This may not sound like the most appealing of moves to Orlando Magic fans, but the organization has been stuck in mediocrity for far too long. Despite having an abundance of young and promising players, Orlando is 23-29 and in danger of missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.

It may not sit well with diehard Magic fans, but bringing Howard back could be what’s needed to help the core players develop an understanding of what it takes to play postseason basketball.

Orlando has an abundance of tradable assets. Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon, Tobias Harris, Mario Hezonja, and Victor Oladipo are all competing for minutes at the 2 and 3 spots, with Gordon and Harris spending time at the 4, where veteran big man Channing Frye has value as a stretch 4.

With 25-year-old center Nikola Vucevic at the heart of the deal, the Magic could create a package that appeals enough to Houston to bring Howard back to Orlando.

It’s hard to imagine Howard re-signing in Orlando, which is the true hurdle in this trade. That’s what makes it an honorable mention instead of a Top 5 option.

Nevertheless, it would be great for the organization to get back into the playoffs—something Howard would undoubtedly help with.

Next: Why Wait Until Free Agency?

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