Dwight Howard Update: Golden State Warriors Could Take Lakers’ Center With New NBA Trade Partner For Andrew Bogut

The Golden State Warriors have reportedly found a trade partner that would allow them to unload Andrew Bogut and his $14 million due for next season, hours before Dwight Howard's expected free-agency decision.

The Warriors are becoming a real threat to rumored favorites the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks, for the service of the All-Star and All-NBA center.

According to ESPN NBA insider Marc Stein, the Warriors already have an alternative in case the Lakers don't accept their sign-and-trade offer.

The Warriors front office is willing to send Bogut and either Klay Thompson or Harrison Barnes to the Lakers to accommodate Howard's huge contract. However, if the Lakers don't agree, the Warriors will have no option but to send Bogut to the Utah Jazz.

Bogut, who averaged 7.2 points and 10.9 rebounds in the Warriors playoff run last season, could be a perfect fit for the Jazz, who saw Al Jefferson bolting to the Charlotte Bobcats on a three-year, 40.5 million deal on Thursday.

As for the contracts of Richard Jefferson ($11 million) and Andris Biedrins ($9 million), the Warriors are planning to sweeten the deal for their takers by including multiple draft picks.

Previously considered as an outsider in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes, the Warriors have reportedly made an impression for Howard because of their young core led by Stephen Curry and David Lee.