NBA Trade Rumors: Available Stars Knicks Must Pursue

Dec 23, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Houston Rockets center

(12) dunks against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets

Position: Center

Age: 30

Slash Line: .587/.000/.507

Season Averages: 31.8 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 3.8 ORPG, 1.5 APG, 1.8 BPG, 1.0 SPG

If you’re the type of person to despise Dwight Howard, I won’t attempt to change your mind. That opinion is likely rooted in years of focusing on his negative traits.

If you’re the type of person who wants to see the New York Knicks win basketball games, then keep reading.

According to Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops, Howard wants to part ways with the Houston Rockets.

"Dwight Howard is extremely unhappy in Houston playing second fiddle to alpha dog James Harden, multiple league sources tell SheridanHoops.com. And with the Rockets underachieving more than any NBA team, look for them to try to move Howard later this season."

Howard has made the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons, playing a starring role in every one of those campaigns. He’s made three Conference Finals appearances and reached the 2009 NBA Finals.

Even in a down year, 2015-16, he’s No. 3 in rebounds per game and field goal percentage, No. 2 in offensive rebounding, and No. 9 in blocks per game.

That type of production would be more than welcome along the Knicks’ frontline; it’d change the trajectory of the season. Robin Lopez is a solid player, but Howard’s ability to dominate the interior would open up a number of avenues for New York.

Carmelo Anthony would have more room to operate, Kristaps Porzingis would thrive in spacing the floor, and New York’s pick-and-roll attack would finally flourish.

Most importantly, New York would win during what could be Howard’s contract year—meaning it could potentially let him go if it doesn’t pan out.

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