The Golden State of the Dwight Howard Saga
By Jae Bradley
Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
The Dwight Howard saga is not ending (will it ever end?) — and here’s everything you need to know about all the chatter you’re hearing about the Golden State Warriors and Dwight Howard.
Warriors would trade Harrison Barnes, Andrew Bogut, and a first round pick to the Lakers for Dwight
Source close to #Warriors says they would trade Barnes (+No. 1, Bogut) for #D12… Likeliest scenario: #Lakers asked for Curry, or Barnes+Klay
— Mark Heisler (@MarkHeisler) July 5, 2013
The Warriors are giving up a lot for an oft-injured, potential nutcase who has serious maturity issues…but who can also be a Top-5 player in the league when his head’s screwed on right.
If you get a mentally focussed Dwight Howard (i.e. Orlando-Dwight), then this deal is probably decent for both teams.
So really, from the Warriors’ perspective, this trade boils down to “can Mark Jackson get Dwight to play like Orlando-Dwight”? Here’s the thing: the Warriors loved (and I mean, loved) playing for Mark Jackson this year. The main reason? Because of how much he bought into the team (just watch this interview). And I think that Mark Jackson can get Dwight to play to his potential for the same reason — Mark Jackson is as much a nurturing mentor as a head coach (if not more of a mentor than a head coach) and Dwight needs all the mentoring he can get.
In case you forgot, here’s Orlando-Dwight:
Warriors not just clearing space for Dwight
If the Warriors lose out on the Dwight Howard sweepstakes, they are also clearing cap space to sign other potential max-deal free agents like Iguodala. That’s why their ability to ship Andrew Bogut, Richard Jefferson (good luck trying to trade that contract), and Andris Biedrins, is vital to what the Warriors do this off-season. Which is why, Golden State-related trade rumors, like this Marc Stein tweet, are essential for the Warriors.
Just added to ESPN's latest Dwight story: Sources say Warriors and Jazz have opened talks on trade that would send Andrew Bogut to Jazz
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 5, 2013
The Warriors aren’t the only ones waiting for Dwight to sign. Apparently, free agents like Jose Calderon are also seeing where Dwight lands so that they can finalize their plans for next year (a.k.a getting paid).
FWIW, was just told FA pg Jose Calderon has interest in LAL, but is waiting to see if DH re-signs. Teams, FA's, & fans waiting for decision
— Jabari Ali Davis (@JabariDavisNBA) July 4, 2013
So Dwight, hurry the f
up, will you?