The Magic must capitalize on an opportunity to get a center to replace Dwight Howard that also carries championship tangibles such as defense, hustling and rebounding. Therefore, Orlando general manager Otis Smith's best deal resides in Chicago, where Joakim Noah could be packaged in a deal that sends him back to the Sunshine State. (Photo by The Associated Press)
Orlando’s ongoing saga with soon-to-be free agent Dwight Howard may look bleak for the Magic, but there’s still a light at the end of the tunnel.
Last Friday, Howard added Chicago to his potential trade destinations when he told the Chicago Tribune, “If I could play with Derrick (Rose) right now and God wanted that to happen, it will happen. It has nothing to do with me not wanting to play with Derrick Rose. I love him. That’s my brother.”
Although many look at a trade to the Bulls as unrealistic, it makes more sense than the top three teams on Howard’s wish list: the Lakers, Mavericks and Nets. In fact, Chicago may be the best, and only, trade fit for Howard before the NBA’s trade deadline on March 15. That’s because the Magic can actually get what Howard is worth while positioning themselves to be contenders now and in the future.
It was first rumored that the Bulls would package Joakim Noah, Luol Deng and Taj Gibson to the Magic for their defending three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Chicago would be reluctant to trade both Deng and Noah, especially when considering Deng’s ability to defend LeBron James (who they could see in the East finals) and how well Noah has bounced back from his early-season slump. However, the Bulls can also offer several future draft picks and cash even if one of those two players is excluded.
For Orlando general manager Otis Smith, it’s a deal that deserves more consideration than any other offer on his table. The Magic could rebuild around a very promising young frontline of Noah and Gibson to go with a potential first-round draft pick at the least. But it’s Noah that should be the main attraction for Orlando. One would assume the UF alum would be thrilled to be back in the Sunshine State playing a little over an hour away from Gainesville, which he still frequents quite often. Plus, the 6-foot-11, 232-pounder is playing some of his best basketball. Noah has notched a double-double in each of his last five games and has seven blocks and five steals over that span. Here’s a look at Noah’s production during that period:
(1/23) vs. NJ – 16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists
(1/25) vs. IND – 10 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal
(1/27) vs. MIL – 15 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 3 steals
(1/29) at MIA – 11 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal
(1/30) at WAS – 14 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists
I once wrote that the resurgence and downfall of the Bulls’ franchise both hinge on Noah. I still believe that, but I’m not so sure Chicago shares that sentiment. If not, the Magic have to capitalize on an opportunity to get a center to replace Howard that also carries championship tangibles such as defense, hustling and rebounding.
Orlando simply can’t afford to let a player the caliber of Howard slip through its fingers without getting a return on his value. The Nuggets showed everyone how to deal a disgruntled superstar when they traded Carmelo Anthony for several young, talented players to build around. Now, Denver is the deepest team in the NBA and would be the No. 2 seed in the West if the playoffs began today.
This all seems like deja vu for the Magic. A promising trip to the NBA Finals ending with a thud. A general manager’s inability to surround his star center with the right pieces to make it back and keep his big man happy. An eight-year stint of non-contention A.S. (After Shaq) culiminated with a 21-61 record the season before Howard was drafted in 2004. Upon Shaquille O’Neal’s exit via free agency in 1996 to Los Angeles, he called Orlando a “dried-up little pond” and one could argue the franchise was certainly left that way.
If the Magic don’t consider dealing for that young center in the Windy City, and soon, all hopes of an NBA title could be left just as bare.
