NBA Trade Rumors: Milwaukee Bucks Almost Acquired Dwight Howard

NBA trade rumors are stating that the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets had talks today about a swap that would have included Dwight Howard, according to Sports Illustrated Fansided. Negotiations broke down whenever Howard was notified of the idea and denied the request by the Bucks to opt into the final year of his contract. Dwight wants to become a free agent since this summer will mark a period where NBA teams have more salary cap space than ever before.

For much of February, Greg Monroe found himself at the center of trade rumors. The Milwaukee Bucks were not pleased with the production that they were getting from the center position, so they wanted to move Monroe, a free agent they signed last summer. Greg was good on the offensive side of the ball, but he gave up a lot of points on the defensive side of things, which does not sit well with Bucks head coach Jason Kidd.

Someone within the Milwaukee Bucks organization felt that Dwight Howard was a tire worth kicking. Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is one of the more active executives in the NBA, so he discussed a trade with several teams. The Bucks decided to throw their names into the hat because they felt that Howard gave them a better chance of going deep into the playoffs than Greg Monroe.

Offensively, Dwight Howard can put up as much points as Greg Monroe if he is given plenty of shots. His numbers have dipped this season, but that’s because the Houston Rockets allow James Harden to dominate the ball. The Milwaukee Bucks share the ball a bit more. Defensively, it’s not even a comparison. Howard can be dominant at times, so that should please Jason Kidd.

Unfortunately for the Milwaukee Bucks, they’re never going to know what Dwight Howard could have done for them. The All-Star center is said to want as close to a maximum contract as he can because this is probably his last big deal. Howard might also have a preference for a team that is closer to being in contention for the NBA Championship, something that has eluded him since he came into the league straight out of high school.

Dwight Howard has reportedly expressed interest in playing for the Atlanta Hawks, his hometown team. The Hawks were a team that was seriously considering blowing up the roster by trading away the likes of Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, and Al Horford. By keeping them, that means that Atlanta believes that this group of guys can contend for the NBA Championship. They only need one or two more pieces.

Another team that might need Dwight Howard is the Miami Heat. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are getting up there in age, so Heat president Pat Riley wants to maximize their chances at winning another NBA Championship as soon as possible. That is why they’re contemplating the possibility of letting Hassan Whiteside leave via free agency. He doesn’t currently have the maturity to fit in with what Riley, Wade, and Bosh are trying to do, so Howard could be his replacement at center.

Dirk Nowitzki is another player that is trying to win an NBA Championship before retirement, so the Dallas Mavericks might be an option for Dwight Howard. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has long been interested in Howard, as he once chased him hard in free agency. Howard could be an upgrade over Zaza Pachulia, who has been absolutely solid since Dallas made a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks to acquire him.

[Featured Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images]