As is being reported by Chris Sheridan, formerly of ESPN.com but now writing independently, Dwight Howard has apparently expanded his list of teams that he would play for to include the Los Angeles Clippers.
SheridanHoops.com learned exclusively Monday that Howard recently expanded his list of preferred future destinations, adding the Clippers to a list that already included the Nets, the Mavericks and the Lakers. “He’s been watching them a lot. He’s intrigued by the Clippers,” said the source, who is privy to the trade talks that have taken place between all of the aforementioned teams. That source also said it now appears more likely that Howard will play out the season with the Magic, who improved to 9-3 Monday afternoon by defeating the New York Knicks 102-93 while making 17 3-pointers and getting just 8 points and 10 rebounds from Howard.
Chris Sheridan – SheridanHoops.com
Howard has reportedly “soured” on the idea of wanting to join the Nets this season and miss the playoffs, especially since he could still join the Nets in the off-season and be on a roster that includes the re-signed Deron Williams, MarShon Brooks and Anthony Morrow among others and would still have their lottery pick, aka the Nets “dream scenario”.
In this scenario, Howard would need an assurance from Deron Williams that he would be with him in Brooklyn, although Sheridan adds “that’s not a sure thing.”
The most likely scenario for Dwight to wind up in Lob City would be a sign and trade happening in the off-season. The allure for Dwight to join the Clippers is obvious. First, it meets his requirement of playing in a big market, as it doesn’t get much bigger than playing in Los Angeles (except playing Brooklyn of course).
Secondly, Dwight would be paired alongside point god guard Chris Paul which, in my opinion, would form an even more potent combination than the current Paul/Griffin combo.
All of this is predicated on the Magic and their management, at least for this season. They’ll make the final call on Dwight while he’s still a member of their team, so all of this posturing and manuevering would be delayed (at least) until the off-season.
