Written by: Matthew Blunk

Going into the 2012 NBA season, you knew the Dwight Howard situation in Orlando would pretty much turn out this way. If they didn’t trade him before the season began, it would become another Carmelo Anthony saga, and he’d have to be dealt before the All-Star break. Here you’ll find nine teams that may (or may not) have a shot at landing the best center in basketball.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are not a deep basketball team and still rely far too much on Kobe Bryant. Los Angeles is awful on the road this season, and you get the feeling that if the Lakers are going to get anywhere in the playoffs, something has to be done soon. That something could very well be a trade for Howard. Andrew Bynum is an excellent young center and would be the centerpiece of any such deal. Lakers boss Jim Buss may have to let go of his pet project to acquire Howard and make another run at a championship. Could the Lakers’ interest in signing Howard’s friend and former teammate Gilbert Arenas become a factor?

New Jersey Nets

Deron Williams is a Net right now, but he will opt out of his contract in the summer and then it’s anyone’s ballgame. The Howard-for-Brook Lopez hypothetical lost its steam after Lopez got hurt. New Jersey Brooklyn does not figure to have the assets to trade for Howard, so they’ll have to hope he makes it to free agency in 2012. But without Williams, there’s absolutely zero chance Howard signs with the Nets. Essentially they have to hope they can both re-sign Wiliams and sign Howard in the summer. Good luck, Prokie!

Los Angeles Clippers

Can Neil Olshey and, more importantly, Donald Sterling, get this done? Seems pretty farfetched, but ever who thought Chris Paul would be in a Clippers uniform? The “other” Los Angeles team has been playing well in 2012, and would likely have to give up all remaining valuable trade assets to get Howard. But, if it can be done, it should be done. A Howard/Blake Griffin frontline with Paul at lead guard would be phenomenal to see.

New York Knicks

The whispers of Howard-for-Amar’e Stoudemire didn’t linger for long. Stoudemire’s injury concerns and contract can’t look very attractive to the Magic. The Knicks are not the right fit for Howard anyway. What New York needs is a point guard.

Chicago Bulls

How much is there to the Adidas Conspiracy? No one knows for sure. But how else can you explain Howard not begging daily to be traded to Chicago? Sure, Derrick Rose’s strength is attacking the basket and Howard might clog the lane, but aside from that, it’s a terrific fit. Howard is the best defensive center in the game, something Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau would certainly appreciate. A Joakim Noah/Luol Deng/Taj Gibson package for Howard and Hedo Turkoglu doesn’t sound too offensive. But it won’t happen.

Boston Celtics

Howard recently mentioned the Celtics as a possibility, and why not? Boston doesn’t have a center, and they have plenty of veterans that Magic owner Rick De Vos allegedly covets. Kevin Garnett/Ray Allen/Avery Bradley? If that’s not enough, sub Paul Pierce for Allen. And if that’s not enough, the Celtics could include Rajon Rondo in a deal. They’ve tried it before. But perhaps Boston’s best chance at acquiring Howard could be if he hits the open market in July.

Dallas Mavericks

With no real trade assets, the Mavericks can’t trade for Howard. But if they can unload Shawn Marion’s contract in the offseason, Dallas can sign Howard and Williams. How’s that for a Big Three: Dwight, Dirk, and Deron?

Atlanta Hawks

Can’t see any hometown discount for the Hawks, but they could have a shot at acquiring the big man. Howard is from Atlanta, so it’s not unfathomable to picture him in a Hawks uni. Josh Smith and Al Horford would be a great tandem for Orlando to potentially rebuild with, and Howard could play with a star like Joe Johnson. Nobody mentions Atlanta, but it makes a lot of sense.

Orlando Magic

Not even Otis Smith thinks this can happen anymore. The Magic have won games, but no one can logically believe this team can compete for a championship as it is today. As I wrote months ago, Howard’s only opportunity to win an NBA title would come when he is traded from Orlando. He’s made plenty of memories with the Magic, but enough is enough, and it’s time for a change.