Golden State Warriors: Breaking Down a Potential Dwight Howard Deal

Mar 13, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) reacts to a play in the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

This again? Haven’t the Warriors learned their lesson? Before the 2012-2013 season, the Warriors were openly pursuing Dwight Howard, who had absolutely no interest in them. He joined the Lakers because he wanted to win. After one of his worst career seasons there, and he wants out. I’m not surprised that this happened, and now he has expressed his interest in signing with the Warriors, just because they have a bright future.

Again, it’s not surprising at all. This season, Howard averaged 17 points and 12 rebounds, which isn’t bad, but isn’t great compared to his career numbers. Still, he has the potential to be one of the best centers in the NBA today.

So why shouldn’t the Warriors make a move for him? So far, they haven’t shown any interest in signing him, but it’s always going to be in the back of their minds — signing an All-Star center that led his shallow Orlando Magic team to a championship.

For the Warriors, the deal would almost certainly be a sign-and-trade for two of their starters (most likely Andrew Bogut plus one more), a young role player (Festus Ezeli, Draymond Green, etc) and somebody else like Andris Biedrins or Richard Jefferson with an expiring contract. The move wouldn’t hurt the Warriors, and without Jefferson’s huge contract, they would certainly be able to afford him. It seems like a good deal, but there are obviously some things that the Warriors need to be worried about if they make the deal.

Bogut was dealing with injury most of the season, and failed to give the Warriors that production that they’ve always longed for at the center spot. A number of factors contributed to the Warriors making the playoffs, including the rise of Klay Thompson, the superstar play of Stephen Curry, and David Lee’s All-Star season. Bogut was a factor, but not a huge one. If the Warriors are actually able to sign Howard, they would be able to get further in the standings, secure home court advantage in the first round, and be more and more dangerous.

This, of course, is all speculation. A move as risky and huge as this could completely change the way that the Warriors work. Howard would be more of an offensive option, so Lee’s, Harrison Barnes’, and maybe even Thompson’s production will go down. Curry will always be a stone-cold shooter, and a great driver; his production is safe. If the production of those other guys goes down, it’s going to be a bit risky considering Howard is neither healthy nor motivated at all times.

For every negative, however, there’s another positive. The perks and allures of having a Curry-Howard tandem is very promising. One of the best centers in the NBA with one of the best point guards in the NBA. Curry is going to be an All-Star next season, there’s no question about it, and Howard will too. If he is motivated and knows that the Warriors have a legit shot of becoming contenders with him on their roster, the Dubs, as a team, could be very deadly.

There’s many pros and cons, but a healthy Dwight Howard with a healthy Curry could mean the Warriors becoming perennial contenders.