NBA Trade Rumors: Celtics Engage Rockets In Trade Talks For Dwight Howard

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics have been eager to make a blockbuster trade for quite some time. General manager Danny Ainge and company feel the time is right to make a move that could propel the team into title contention, and it appears the storied NBA franchise may have narrowed their search to a veteran center.

According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, the Celtics have engaged the Houston Rockets in trade talks to acquire star center Dwight Howard:

Meanwhile, the Celtics have engaged the Houston Rockets in talks about a possible deal for Dwight Howard, the Daily News has learned. Howard can opt out of his contract this summer, and considering his back and knee issues, it doesn’t make much sense for Boston GM Danny Ainge to use the assets on a player with declining skills and a battered body.

Although Howard isn’t the dominant defensive-minded center of old, Howard could help Boston as they attempt to compete with the Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, and Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.

The real question for Boston is what Ainge is willing to part with to acquire Howard’s services. As Isola suggests, Howard can opt out of his contract after this season meaning, like the Los Angeles Lakers a few years ago, the Celtics could be left with nothing if Howard decides to leave in NBA free agency.

Regardless of whether Boston acquires Howard, it seems as though the Rockets are entertaining the idea of trading him elsewhere. Other teams in the league may approach Houston with their sights set on upgrading the center position meaning Dwight could ultimately be on the move once again.