Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
A rumor has circulated that the Los Angeles Clippers could be interested in Dwight Howard.
Howard obviously hasn’t made any decision yet about whether he would be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers, but anything’s possible with him. After being trading from the Orlando Magic, Howard has misdirected any questions relating to his future plans.
While with the Magic, Howard reportedly was interested in the Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets. As you noticed — I didn’t mention either of the Los Angeles teams.
Would he fit in with the Clippers? Sure, but at what price? The Clippers should undoubtedly sign Chris Paul to the max next year. Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan are still on the books, so a trade might be on the only possibility to stay under the cap.
Would Howard enjoy playing for franchise with less pressure and expectations? Possibly? He would have an able point guard in Chris Paul to feed him the ball, and he could enjoy the services of “lob city.”
Howard will probably look sign with a stable organization. As of right now, the Clippers do not have a head coach after firing Vinny Del Negro, which I thought was a terrible mistake. However, this could possibly be an advantage. Howard could potentially have input on their next head coach.
Many reports surfaced how Howard and Mike D’Antoni feuded. But earlier this week, Mitch Kupchak publicly refuted the notion. Howard doesn’t seem to get along with anyone — alienating teammates in Orlando, differences with Kobe Bryant, an altercation with Greg Popovich at the NBA All-Star game this past February and the list goes on and on. Even with the laundry list of baggage, the Lakers’ organization and Kupchak want him to sign their max-contract.
I think it’s a crapshoot with Howard. His fickle day-to-day temperament is very hard to gauge and who really knows where he’ll end up this summer. I guess we all will have to wait to see what Superman decides.
Eric N. Ellington covers the Los Angeles Lakers for Rant Sports. Follow him at @EricNEllington
