NBA Rumors: Dwight Howard Leaving Houston Rockets For Chicago Bulls

NBA rumors have been revolving around Dwight Howard. The former All Star center will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Howard will be looking for a team that can contend for an NBA Championship. The former Defensive Player of the Year will also be looking for a max contract. According to FanSided, one team that could potentially be interested in Howard will be the Chicago Bulls. They will be in need of a center if Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol decides to join another team.

Signing with the Chicago Bulls could be a smart move for Dwight Howard. The Bulls can replicate what Stan Van Gundy did for Howard when he was with the Orlando Magic. Chicago can surround the former All Star with shooters and leave him in the low post. On the defensive end, the Bulls will have a legitimate paint protector.

The addition of Dwight Howard could be very beneficial for the Chicago Bulls, especially on the defensive end. The Bulls wouldn’t have to rely on double teaming players as much. Howard on the defensive end can do so much for a team. He can clog the lanes, rebound, block shots, and alter the opponent’s shot attempts. With Dwight around, the Bulls’ perimeter players can take more gambles and go for steals because he’ll protect the basket.

Dwight Howard isn’t the same dominant force that he was when he was with the Orlando Magic. The Atlanta native can still produce when he puts his mind into it. Howard lost a lot of his athleticism, but the big man can still be elite in the paint. This season in the NBA, Howard is tied for third in rebounds. The center is also averaging a career low in points. That is due to the Houston Rockets making James Harden the number one option on offense.

There has been questions to Dwight Howard’s mental and physical state. Midway through the season many people felt Howard gave up on the team. The center expressed his discontent with not getting enough touches on the offensive end. That affects the intensity of his play on the defensive end. After being traded away from the Orlando Magic, he went through many devastating injuries. Last season, Howard missed more than half the year with a knee injury.

It will be interesting to see how Jimmy Butler and Dwight Howard play together. While Butler does like to have the ball in his hands, he isn’t as ball dominant as James Harden. On paper, the Chicago Bulls will have two of the better defenders in the National Basketball Association at their respected positions. Butler defends on the perimeter, while Howard protects the paint. That could possibly be one of the best defensive duos in the NBA.

Dwight Howard will be seeking a max contract this upcoming summer. Not too many teams in the NBA will be willing to offer the former All Star that kind of money. Howard’s play this season doesn’t show teams he is worth that kind of money. One team that might be willing to pay Howard will be the Dallas Mavericks. Mark Cuban is in need of another superstar to play beside Dirk Nowitzki. The Mavericks are willing to take the risk so that their future hall of fame star gets another NBA Championship.

The Chicago Bulls missed the playoffs this season. They will be looking to add another superstar this summer. Gar Forman stated that the Bulls will be looking to make some changes to get the team back to contending. Adding a defensive presence like Dwight Howard might just be what they need. Howard will be needing to take a pay cut this summer if he is wants to contend for an NBA Championship.