OT: HOU shopping Howard (Lowe: Raps have no interest)

[Rhettmatic]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--rockets-contacting-teams-about-trading-dwight-howard-191621017.html

The Houston Rockets have started contacting teams about trading eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard, league sources told The Vertical.

Howard, 30, plans to exercise an opt-out in his contract this summer to become an unrestricted free agent, and uncertainty surrounding the commitment both sides are willing to make has pushed Houston general manager Daryl Morey toward seeking potential trades on the market, league sources said.

The NBA’s trade deadline is Feb. 18.

The Rockets are working with Howard’s agent, Dan Fegan, on possible destinations, league executives told The Vertical.

Howard is believed to be seeking a maximum contract extension in July.

[artsncrafts]

As he is an UFA and would NEVER resign in Toronto, this doesnt affect us. However it will be interesting if he goes to CLE or something for the rest of the season.

[gerrit4]

I'm hesitant to make a move for any player entering free agency. Realistically, if we want to get value back here, we'd need to be prepared to max him and Derozan out this summer. Not sure how I feel about that with Howard's game somewhat deteriorating.

I'd imagine it would cost JV (who would be awesome with Harden I'll bet).

Realistically, I'd want assets back, but I don't see that happening.

[Hero_Panda]

If there was a "promise" from Howard that he would re-sign in the offseason, I wouldn't mind trading JV + Ross + filler for him.
Having a Lowry / Derozan / Carroll / Howard core looks very contentious-like IMO.

[gerrit4]

I'm hesitant to make a move for any player entering free agency. Realistically, if we want to get value back here, we'd need to be prepared to max him and Derozan out this summer. Not sure how I feel about that with Howard's game somewhat deteriorating.

I'd imagine it would cost JV (who would be awesome with Harden I'll bet).

Realistically, I'd want assets back, but I don't see that happening.

By the way, I've written a post in the same day saying why we should trade legit assets for a 31 year old Paul Milsap, but a 30 year old Dwight is too old. Not sure how I feel about it.

[Hero]

Bring him home. We need a good center.

[DJ_RnC]

No team is going to give up valuable assets for half a season of a Dwight Howard rental which could potentially go sourly because of his attitude or he might just get injured again, he's not what he used to be in Orlando. High risk for low reward, don't see any buyers unless its for a stupid good deal.

[Northface82]

Bring him home. We need a good center.

Yeah, but it is worth gutting the roster that is currently #2 in the East?
And besides, we'd need a true passing PG to utilize Dwight's offensive skillset correctly, not ISO-guard play.

I'd rather inquire about T Jones.

[Raptorfan2012]

Just get Terrence Jones on the cheap from the Rockets and move on.

[WWSRD]

Need to get a feel from him if he would re-sign in Toronto before you make a trade.

[pbj]

Ignoring how much we would have to give up .. Is Howard/Derozan/Lowry a championship core?

[RaptorsLife]

Dwight Howard = finals it's like David price trade blue jays made. We have the 5th best record in the name where can he go that's better than here.

[RaptorsLife]

Ignoring how much we would have to give up .. Is Howard/Derozan/Lowry a championship core?

Yeah easily. Only reason we lost the warrior games is because we had no rim protection

[WillGraham]

The fact that he hasn't been able to make any substantial impact during playoff runs with either Harden or Kobe (both solid teams), makes me feel he just isn't a piece you can build around. And here pretty much demands that otherwise he starts his pout....he's a great talent, just not sure winner.

[WWSRD]

Rent Howard and Horford.

You might win the 'chip.

[RaptorsLife]

The fact that he hasn't been able to make any substantial impact during playoff runs with either Harden or Kobe (both solid teams), makes me feel he just isn't a piece you can build around. And here pretty much demands that otherwise he starts his pout....he's a great talent, just not sure winner.

Kobe got injured in that season dwight was there. Houston went to the WCF last season.

[dagger]

No team is going to give up valuable assets for half a season of a Dwight Howard rental which could potentially go sourly because of his attitude or he might just get injured again, he's not what he used to be in Orlando. High risk for low reward, don't see any buyers unless its for a stupid good deal.

Basically, that's what the immediate reaction has been, Rockets can move him but not for 100 cents on the dollar. It's not that he';s playing poorly, it's that he requires the right situation, one where he will re-sign, etc, to get back quality players. Rockets don't sound interested in a pick-based package. If Carmelo would agree to a trade - which he won't - Anthony plus Lopez would be a good deal for both sides. The Bulls could use him, but what do they give up that doesn't leave them just as strong/weak as they are now?

[kidr1211]

If there was a "promise" from Howard that he would re-sign in the offseason, I wouldn't mind trading JV + Ross + filler for him.
Having a Lowry / Derozan / Carroll / Howard core looks very contentious-like IMO.

u wot m8

[Mamba Mentality]

Not only is he overrated af, but he doesn't have a winning mentality. You guys would regret trading for him, trust me.

[kidr1211]

Bizmack>>>Cry baby dwight