In a world where big-name players change teams as often as second-tier names, this offseason will be no different in the NBA. Wednesday, the Charlotte Hornets traded Dwight Howard to the Brooklyn Nets only to have Howard say he wants a buyout. What exactly does this mean? This is great news for the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers.
It means that the Nets lost out on a playoff chance this coming season but it also means that the Warriors and Cavaliers could come out very big winners this summer.
If the Nets and Howard can reach an agreement, then the top two teams in the NBA have a chance to further their dynasty. What makes this such an important factor is that both teams are in desperate need of a rim protector and Dwight Howard could be had for the cheap. Think about it. The Nets will have to pay Howard close to $17 million of his $23.8 million salary which leaves him almost playing for his next destination for free. This is what the cash-strapped Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors are hoping for. But why the Cavs and Warriors?
What other teams, within NBA Finals contention is in desperate need of a center? The Houston Rockets will likely resign Clint Capela and Howard is not a fan favorite in Houston. The Oklahoma City Thunder already have Steven Adams. The Boston Celtics are sticking with Al Horford and the Philadelphia 76ers have Joel Embiid. That only leaves the Cavs and Warriors.
With the Cleveland Cavaliers still waiting to hear what LeBron James will do regarding his free agency, signing Howard could be a way to keep him in Cleveland, at least for another season. The weakness the Cavs faced this past year was defense. With Kevin Love basically playing out of position at Center, adding Dwight will allow Love to move back to PF and keep him on the perimeter where he's more comfortable. This will also allow the Cavs to keep Tristan Thompson to back up Love and Howard.
Could the Howard signing coupled with the young players the Cavs have in Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance plus the No. 8 selection in PG Collin Sexton be enough for a 5th straight NBA Finals? However, still lurking in the shadows are the Warriors and their big need for a rim protector.
Can you imagine Dwight Howard with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson? They could very well forge the greatest starting five in NBA History. No, Howard is not the same player he was while with the Orlando Magic but he did manage to average 16.6 points and 12.5 rebounds while shooting 55 percent from the floor last season. Those are the numbers the Golden State Warriors would love to have gotten from the likes of Zaza Pachulia and JaVale McGee. However, with both players free agents this summer, the Warriors could find themselves playing small ball for the entire 2018-19 season.
Pairing Dwight Howard with the shooters they have in Golden State, and we could be talking a record-breaking season. His numbers were up there with the best Centers in the league and while his point production will take a dip in the Bay Area, Howard stated that he just wants to win. He's made a large sum of money over his career and asking for this buyout, he may already have the Warriors in his sights. However, it all depends on what he and the Nets can agree to in terms of a buyout.
Just think, a few days ago the Nets were rejoicing with the Howard addition and now they may have to sit back and watch as he could be celebrating a championship with another team while they are still paying him. Talk about a curse on a franchise.
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