As the NBA trade deadline continues to draw closer, Chicago Bulls rumors are beginning to fly. One of the latest rumors brings up the question, could the Bulls look to acquire Dwight Howard from the Houston Rockets?
It certainly makes sense for both the Bulls and Rockets to match up as trade partners ahead of the deadline. Houston doesn't seem to be working well with Howard at this point in the season and the Bulls have a few big men they'd like to trade. Pau Gasol and Taj Gibson are the two healthy big men that are on the block, while Joakim Noah will be out for an extended period of time with an injury.
Whether Houston would be interested in acquiring Gibson and another piece or two for Howard is another question altogether.
Gerald Bourguet of HoopsHabit.com opined that the Bulls could be a potential trade partner for Howard. He suggested that they trade Noah and Gibson for Howard, although with Noah's injury that could change some things up.
Howard has played in 36 games this season and has started in all 36 of them. He has averaged 14.8 points, 12.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. Those numbers would be a huge addition for the Bulls and there is no question that he would fit well alongside of Pau Gasol.
Chicago has been quietly shopping for a trade over the last few weeks and want to do something big.
At 30 years old, Howard still has a lot of basketball left to play in his career. He has one more year left on his contract after this season, which will pay him $23.3 million. That would help the Bulls be willing to give up big value to bring Howard on board ahead of the trade deadline.
To answer the question, there is no doubt that the Bulls could target a Howard trade. He would be a major impact pickup for them and could help them compete in the Eastern Conference.
Expect to hear plenty of rumors surrounding the Bulls heading into February and don't be surprised if Howard does end up getting shopped heavily by the Rockets.
