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NBA Trade Rumors: Stars Available for the Knicks to Acquire

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 24, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0, center) greets guard Thabo Sefolosha (25) and center Al Horford (15) during a timeout in the fourth quarter of their game against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 121-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0, center) greets guard Thabo Sefolosha (25) and center Al Horford (15) during a timeout in the fourth quarter of their game against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 121-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) walks off the court after being ejected during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Toyota Center. The Wizards won 123-122. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) walks off the court after being ejected during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Toyota Center. The Wizards won 123-122. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets

Position: Center

Age: 30

Remaining Salary: $45,641,821

Contract Expires: Player Option for 2016-17

Slash Line: .612/.000/.532

Season Averages: 32.3 MPG, 14.6 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 3.6 ORPG, 1.5 APG, 1.5 BPG, 1.0 SPG

Dwight Howard has been progressively phased out of the Houston Rockets’ ISO-oriented offense. His numbers have reflected that, with Howard posting his lowest scoring average since his rookie season—a number being produced on ridiculously efficient 61.2 percent shooting from the field.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, in the face of disarray, the Rockets have made Howard available for trade discussions.

"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."

For whatever it’s worth, Chris Broussard of ESPN relayed the same information.

It’s understandable if one doesn’t want to take a chance on Howard, but that’s thinking more with the heart than the head. Love or hate the mercurial big man, he’s No. 3 in the NBA in rebounding, offensive rebounds per game, and field goal percentage.

Given those skills, as well as his status as a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Howard is the perfect player to place along the interior as Kristaps Porzingis spaces the floor from the 4.

According to NBA.com, the Knicks are No. 28 in points in the paint per game—a statistic Howard would certainly improve. Even in a down season during which Houston has seemingly avoided getting him the ball, Howard is No. 11 in the NBA in points in the paint per game.

Most importantly, Howard is a proven big-game performer with an NBA Finals appearance, three trips to the Conference Finals, and career postseason averages of 19.5 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks.

If anyone can restore Howard’s dominance, it’s Phil Jackson.

Next: The Original Target

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