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Thursday, July 12, 2012

Teams That Should Deal for D12 but Won't - Bleacher Report

Dwight Howard is off the market, for now at least. That doesn't mean the speculation has to stop though!

Although the Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers were the major players during the Howard drama, with the Atlanta Hawks serving as minor contenders for the Hawks' services, they aren't the only teams that should be looking to acquire Superman. 

There are a number of teams that should deal for Dwight, even if they won't actually make any moves for him. 

Remembering that this is purely speculation and nothing more than hypothetical, read on to find out which teams I'm talking about. 

Dallas Mavericks

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Brett Deering/Getty Images

Untouchables: Dirk Nowitzki

It doesn't matter who the Dallas Mavericks would have to give up to get him, Dwight Howard would be worth it as long as he could be paired with Dirk Nowitzki. 

Immediately creating the best frontcourt in the NBA, the Mavs would have an incredible inside-outside presence between the two All-World players. 

With Nowitzki's flamingo shot on the outside and Howard's presence on the blocks, no one would be able to compete with the bigs in Dallas. 

There are certain pairings that allow bad guards to be hidden and not make a big negative impact on the squad. This would be one of those pairings. 

Los Angeles Clippers

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Harry How/Getty Images

Untouchables: Chris Paul, Blake Griffin

The Los Angeles Clippers would likely have to give up Eric Bledsoe, DeAndre Jordan and a few other pieces, but it would be worth it to form a potent big three with Chris Paul, Dwight Howard and Blake Griffin. 

CP3 running the pick-and-roll with Blake Griffin is a terrifying prospect in itself, but it's even scarier with Dwight Howard filling the second slot in that play.

The athleticism of the frontcourt would just be off the charts and it's hard to find a better point guard to distribute them the ball. 

Additionally, Dwight would get to play in the media market that is Los Angeles while avoiding the shadow of Shaquille O'Neal for the first time in his career. 

Milwaukee Bucks

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Chris Chambers/Getty Images

Untouchables: Brandon Jennings, Monta Ellis

If the Milwaukee Bucks could have a healthy post-presence playing at the top of his game, they would be incredibly hard to deal with. 

Trading Ekpe Udoh and a host of draft picks to the Orlando Magic while getting a third team involved to help facilitate the deal might not be enough to land Dwight Howard, but let's just assume it is for the sake of the argument. 

With Dwight's defense in the paint, the Bucks would be able to overcome the lack of perimeter defense. Plus, Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings could jack up shots at all times and allow Howard to pull down an insane number of offensive rebounds. 

He might be able to average 10 offensive boards per contest with the Bucks. 

Oklahoma City Thunder

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Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Untouchables: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, either Serge Ibaka or James Harden

As long as the Oklahoma City Thunder would be able to keep Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and either Serge Ibaka (preferably) or James Harden, they should be willing to give away anyone and everything that the Orlando Magic desire. 

If the Magic want Harden, Thabo Sefolosha, Eric Maynor, Nick Collison, and eight bajillion draft picks, then so be it. 

Can you imagine how good this basketball team would be if they had three of the 10 best players in the NBA? It would trump every other Big Three in the Association. Yes, even the one in South Beach. 

The Thunder's biggest weakness is the lack of offensive presence on the low block and Howard would immediately solve that problem. 

Philadelphia 76ers

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Elsa/Getty Images

Untouchables: None

This trade would not only bring a nice, physical presence to the Philadelphia 76ers following the loss of Elton Brand the re-signing of Spencer Hawes, but it would also allow Andre Iguodala to finally find a new home. 

The Sixers are a young team on the rise, even if they do seem to be inexplicably collecting swingmen and athletic wing players. 

With a balanced lineup and depth, Dwight Howard could be the big man needed to put this team over the top and allow them to truly compete for a berth in the NBA Finals. 

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