Report: Celtics and Rockets Discussed a Dwight Howard Trade

The Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets have reportedly engaged in exploratory trade talks about center Dwight Howard.

Howard, 30, is likely headed into free agency next summer.

The big fella has repeatedly denied that he’s looking for a way out of H-Town.

Per the NY Daily News:

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.

 

Boston, which either owns or controls the Brooklyn Nets’ next three first-round picks, are positioned to make a major move either before the trade deadline or this summer around the draft. Another division rival, Toronto, owns the Knicks’ pick.

 

(Phil) Jackson, who watched Tuesday’s game with his top adviser, Clarence Gaines Jr., doesn’t have the same flexibility. His focus should be on developing (Kristaps) Porzingis while keeping his minutes at a reasonable number. That is vital. An upgrade at point guard is equally important but unlikely to happen over the next two weeks. But it needs to happen before the start of next season.

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