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The Houston Rockets have had a disappointing season to this point, and trade rumors surrounding Dwight Howard have ramped up again with the trade deadline coming next week.
It will be a challenge to put together a viable trade to acquire Howard, but here are five teams that could see him as a missing piece.
5. Dallas Mavericks
Credit: Tom Pennington Getty Images5. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have had significant interest in Howard in the past, but with him likely to opt-out of his contract after the season, they could just wait until the summer to sign him. Still, a trade offer to the Rockets shouldn't be ruled out.
4. Miami Heat
Credit: Jason Miller Getty Images4. Miami Heat
Hassan Whiteside looks like a young version of Howard at this point, for better or worse, and ESPN's Chris Broussard reported the Heat are gauging interest in him. If Miami includes a couple of other pieces, a deal for Howard could get done.
3. Chicago Bulls
Credit: Jason Miller Getty Images3. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are without Joakim Noah for the season, and Taj Gibson has been mentioned as a potential trade chip. Luxury tax implications would exist for Chicago in acquiring Howard's salary, but they could use his presence as a defender and rebounder.
2. Atlanta Hawks
Credit: Kevin C. Cox Getty Images2. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta seems willing to trade all their big-name players, but that may also give them the pieces to acquire Howard. He is an Atlanta native, so trading for Howard may not necessarily be a short-sighted move for the Hawks.
1. Boston Celtics
Credit: Streeter Lecka Getty Images1. Boston Celtics
The Celtics are a rare team with draft pick assets as well as expiring contracts to shed (paging David Lee). As the current No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, Howard could appeal to Boston as a rental player with an eye toward a deep playoff run.
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