I was thinking about the available players for Dwight and was thinking about the usual suspects (Bynum, Lopez, etc.) and then I thought about how with Orlando clearing house in the management area, wouldn't it be nice to start completely fresh with a new rookie face of the franchise in Anthony Davis?
So, a few questions to discuss:
1. Would Orlando prefer any available current player/asset over a young, no attitude problems, no health concerns, Anthony Davis?
I can't really think of any. This guy is on the same level prospect-wise as Derrick Rose, Blake Griffin, and John Wall were as they entered the draft (none of whom could be had in a trade). And to have him at a controlled contract for so many years ahead is very enticing.
2. Would any team be willing to trade away Davis for Dwight Howard?
My thinking is that if it could put the team in contention, then yes. How can you turn down a proven top 3 player in the NBA in the middle of his prime for an unproven draft pick? Of course, this would be conditional on Dwight signing a long term extension.
3. Would Dwight Howard sign a long term extension with any of these teams that have a shot at landing the #1 overall pick?
Biggest question. Firstly, the team would have to have a ton of cap space in order to do it or have a 1 year deal that the magic would be willing to take back. Here's how I see it:
Charlotte - No way
Washington - Highly doubtful. Not enough cap space unless Orlando would take Rashard Lewis back. They already have Nene at C for a lot of money. John Wall is nice, but probably not enough pieces to interest Dwight into signing.
Cleveland - A HA! This makes sense on so many levels to me. Enough cap space to take Dwight straight up. A young, soon-to-be-star, pg who complements Dwights game wonderfully and some nice other pieces that complement Dwight in Jamison and Varejao, PLUS still even more cap space to go after more players (Mayo?). Try to send 1 year of Luke Walton to Orlando and bring Redick over to Cleveland. Dwight wants to be the "good guy"? He now becomes Cleveland's savior!
NJ - If D-Will opts in, why not? Lots of good, complementary pieces in place there (Morrow, Wallace). Better current pieces than Cleveland actually, but no cap room to sign additional free agents. Problem: they are right in the gray area of having probably just not enough cap space, so would have to trade somebody away which might not be easy.
New Orleans - No, wouldn't make them a contender.
Sacramento - No, disaster situation.
Toronto - Ew.
GS - Maybe before they had made that trade for Bogut. So, no.
Detroit - No cap space and very skeptical complementary roster, at best.
Minnesota - Terrible market, but what a roster of complementary players in Rubio, Williams, and Love. Becomes an utterly dominant rebounding team, that no teams can play small-ball against, and an instant top contender. Not enough cap space right now, but some very tradeable players/contracts on that squad. Maybe send Wesley Johnson and Pekovic and take back Redick and a late first.
Portland - Cap space? Check. Instant contender? Check. Great situation. Low probability of landing the first pick though.
So, what are your thoughts? Any sense to this idea?