NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Could Sign-And-Trade Dwight Howard
NBA Trade Rumors — Although it was believed that the Los Angeles Lakers would not be interested in a sign-and-trade involving Dwight Howard, that might change if the coveted free agent really wants to leave this summer.
Reports have said that if Howard indeed looks for a new team this summer, the Lakers would be content to just let him walk, cut their losses and preserve cap space for next summer’s free agency.
The preference remains the same, and the Lakers would rather not commit to a sign-and-trade, but it remains an option, according to Arash Markazi of ESPN LA.
If Dwight makes it clear he won't re-sign, the Lakers could look at sign-and-trades but I'm told their preference is not to do that.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) June 15, 2013
Great, that means the Blake Griffin and Eric Bledsoe for Dwight Howard trade could happen, right? Not exactly, says Markazi.
2 things I'd bet my life on: 1. The Clippers will never trade Griffin to the Lakers. 2. The Lakers will never trade Howard to the Clippers.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) June 16, 2013
It’s understandable that the two teams don’t really want to trade with each other. While getting Griffin is better than nothing, the Lakers would be forced to essentially build around Blake in the future. Then there is always the fact that the two teams are rivals and the Lakers would hate to help the Clippers build a super team with Howard and Chris Paul.
Still, the Lakers would probably explore a sign-and-trade with other teams, if the deal would include young pieces and picks and not any long-term contracts.