NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets Dwight Howard Confirm Pau Gasol Swap; James Harden Welcomes Spanish star

By Mitch de Leon
Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard in action at the Orlando Magic v/s Washington Wizards Game on 11/27/08 Keith Allison/Wikimedia Commons

The Houston Rockets are in the process of figuring out how to maximize their roster. With James Harden on the lead and the Kevin Durant free agency promising to be a tough competition, the Jason Terry are looking into measures to boost the team. A new solution offered is to trade Dwight Howard to the Chicago Bulls and sign Pau Gasol. Both big men have the veteran experience. Moreover, Howard and Gasol seem to be looking at fresh starts somewhere else.

Earlier reports already pointed out the desire of the Spanish star to move out of the Chicago Bulls. After a disappointing season with Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler under the new leadership of Fred Hoiberg, the Pau Gasol free agency is ready for its next stop. While his brother, Memphis Grizzlies star Marc Gasol, is pushing him to sign with Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Danny Green in the San Antonio Spurs, a few other NBA teams appear to be interested in Pau Gasol. Will the Houston Rockets be a perfect fit?

In the James Harden team, the issues of the Beard and Dwight Howard have been consistently pointed out by fans and experts. Their lack of chemistry cost the Houston Rockets a number of games. While they managed to get in the NBA playoffs series 2016, their elimination in the hands of the Golden State Warriors was embarrassing. With the Houston Rockets committed to building a team around James Harden, it comes as no surprise that Dwight Howard is the one expected to go.

One of the most problematic issues involving Howard is his contract. While teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and the Golden State Warriors would want to sign him, the center reportedly wants to have a max contract. With the influx of young and promising talent in the free agency market, such as Al Horford, Hassan Whiteside and Kevin Durant, the NBA teams interested in Howard might just take their money elsewhere.

However, the Chicago Bulls might see Howard as a promising star to guide Jimmy Butler. With the point guard struggling last NBA season, it becomes apparent that Butler still needs guidance in the hardwood court. Given the long list of pro ball experience of Howard, he could be the perfect mentor for Butler.

"He still can be a dominant force, primarily on the defense end," shared Jason Terry of Dwight Howard. He added, "He's such a presence back there controlling the paint. And then offensively, when he sets screens and rolls hard to the basket and runs the floor, he's one of the best we have." Terry also went on to share that Dwight Howard joins DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings and DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers in the list of dominant centers in the NBA today.

What do you think? Will the Chicago Bulls benefit more from Dwight Howard than Pau Gasol? Should Pau Gasol head to the Houston Texans to mentor James Harden? Or will he be better off following brother Marc Gasol's advice to just sign with the San Antonio Spurs and hang out with the likes of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker?

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