With the NBA trade deadline quickly approaching on Feb. 18, much of these rumors have centered around former Los Angeles Laker and current Houston Rocket, Dwight Howard. After making it to the Western Conference Finals last season, the Rockets have not lived up to expectations and are one game under .500.
As Howard is reportedly opting out of his contract at the end of the season, he has been linked to numerous teams including the Miami Heat. According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, the Rockets are potentially interested in trading him to the Heat for Hassan Whiteside:
Dwight Howard could be moved by Thursday's trade deadline. Miami is talking with Houston about a deal that would include Hassan Whiteside.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) February 15, 2016
Along with the Heat, Howard is interested in joining the Atlanta Hawks according to Chris Broussard of ESPN, as transcribed by Pro Basketball Talk:
“Dwight Howard, the Rockets told him last week he could be traded before the deadline. Dwight, if he’s moved, would like to go to Atlanta, maybe Miami.”
With Howard and Whiteside set to enter free agency this off-season, it is an intriguing trade for both franchises. Although Whiteside is on an extremely friendly contract ($981,348) this season, he is expected to command a max contract as numerous teams are in need of his shot-blocking abilities.
One of the teams that are reportedly interested in Whiteside are the Lakers. With a projected $65 million in cap space this free agency, the Lakers should be competitive in trying to sign Whiteside as they have established a nice young core in these past two drafts.