NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets Swap Dwight Howard for Hassan Whiteside; James Harden, Ty Lawson Welcome Miami Heat Star

By Mitch de Leon
NBA: Miami Heat at Charlotte Hornets
Feb 5, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) prepares to drive to the basket as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets forward center Frank Kaminsky (44) during the first half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets have been denying the NBA trade rumors involving Dwight Howard since the beginning of the season. However, the speculations on the future departure of the former Los Angeles Lakers remained the center of attention this year. Reports of Howard's inability to mesh with James Harden as well as the rumored rift between the two fueled the trade talk speculations. Moreover, the center will be back in the free agency market soon. Sources close to the matter disclosed that Howard will try and seek for an NBA team willing to give him a max contract - one thing that Houston Rockets could not afford or are not amenable to provide right now.

NBA trade rumors reveal a number of teams that could be potential landing spots for Howard. At the moment, the most widely talked about basketball squad to welcome the Houston Rockets star is the Miami Heat. Given the precarious situation with Chris Bosh and an aging Dwyane Wade, the Erik Spoelstra squad is reportedly gunning for another big man and a veteran with notable skills and leadership in the hardwood court. This is where Howard comes in.

"Dwight Howard could be moved by Thursday's trade deadline," shared Frank Isola via social media. The New York Daily News insider added, "Miami is talking with Houston about a deal that would include Hassan Whiteside."

Whiteside, like Howard, has been the center of NBA trade rumors throughout the season. The center's performance, albeit remarkable at times, fail to significantly contribute to the Miami Heat. Moreover, some fans feel that Whiteside does not deserve his contract.

"While Whiteside's numbers are impressive, he hasn't always gelled with the Heat's roster and coaching staff," noted Yaron Weitzman of SB Nation. He added, "Curiously, Miami plays better defense when Whiteside sits, and Whiteside has spent a number of fourth quarters on the bench this season."

While this might be an interesting deal to explore for both teams, it is the consensus of fans and experts that the Miami Heat cannot simply walk away with Howard. Although Whiteside could be a promising addition to the Ty Lawson squad, the current Houston Rockets center is far more valuable than him. Hence, the Miami Heat will need to cough up more than just a swap involving Whiteside for Howard.

Rumor has it that the Miami Heat might offer a blockbuster deal for Howard. That is, the Houston Rockets might see the entry of Whiteside, Goran Dragic and Udonis Haslem in exchange for their veteran star player. Luol Deng might also be taken into consideration if the Houston Rockets reject the aforementioned package offered.

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