Dwight Howard Not Interested In Joining The Los Angeles Clippers
With the way things are going in Orlando it doesn’t seem likely that Dwight Howard will be getting traded before the March 15 trade deadline. Another logical reason for the Magic to not send Howard away before the NBA trade deadline would be the bad publicity the y would receive when Howard shows up in Orlando for the NBA All- Star game wearing a different team’s uniform. Not to mention the fact that the Magic are currently in a five game winning streak and are third in the Eastern Conference with a 10-3 record.
But regardless of all this it still seems that Howard will end up somewhere other than Orlando after this season. Howard initially had three teams on his list of desired destinations, the New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers. Then a report, first broke by SheridanHoops.com, stated that Howard was intrigued by the idea of playing with the Los Angeles Clippers alongside Chris Paul. The report claimed that if indeed Howard went to the Clippers it would be in an off-season sign and trade. The idea makes sense as it would allow the Clippers to not have to give up much as the Magic would be forced into doing any deal just to get something in return for Howard.
Now a report, first broke by the Orlando Sentinel who reportedly spoke to Howard, is saying that Howard has “dismissed” the idea of playing with the Clippers. The three destinations, according to the report and per Magic GM Otis Smith, are still the New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers. Also according to the paper Howard’s agent, Dan Fegan, has not been given permission to speak with any other three teams besides the original three on Howard’s list.
If the report by the Sentinel is indeed true then this is a big blow to Clipper fans who were probably ecstatic at the idea of Howard coming over to lob city. Howard would have pushed the Clips to a title contender, as they would not have had to given up much if they waited till the off-season to sign him, and would have been able to keep their core of starters in place. Howard is averagin 19.8 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game this season.
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