It must be 2012 all over again; as once again, NBA superstar Dwight Howard's name has been mentioned in the same breath as "trade."
Earlier this week, L.A. Lakers legend Magic Johnson said that if he were Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, he would call the Lakers and ask for whether Howard would be available.
"If I'm Mark Cuban, I would say this, I would call Jim Buss and say look, 'I've always wanted Dwight Howard. Can we make a deal before the trade deadline?'" Johnson, who has been openly critical of the Lakers' dismal performance this season, said during an "NBA on ESPN" pre-game interview.
The Lakers currently have an under .500 17-22 record win-loss record in the NBA standings.
"Because you know once the summer comes, Mark is going to go after him anyway. But if he gets him in a trade, he can pay him more money and maybe he'll stay," the Lakers great added. "Because Atlanta's going to try and get Dwight Howard. I think New Jersey's going to be in play and try to get him so Mark Cuban, go after him! And give away everyone but Dirk. That's what I would do."
Cuban earlier this week declared that the Mavs were "open for business" and would be entertaining trade offers for virtually all of the Mavericks' players, with the notable exception of superstar Dirk Nowitzki. With a slew of assets to trade away, the Mavericks could very well package a deal for Howard, who will be on the free agent market this summer-though it is widely expected that Howard will stay with the Lakers, in spite of their struggles.
Meanwhile, one of the most tempting talents allegedly on the trading block hails from Western Conference contender Memphis.
The Grizzlies' small forward Rudy Gay, who is averaging 17.6 points this season, is reportedly being shopped by the Grizzlies, likely due to the size of his contract, which will pay him $54 million over the next three years.
Rumors are flying that the Charlotte Bobcats are expressing interest in him, with their young rookie star point guard Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's name surfacing in potential trade scenarios.
And yet another big name, Milwaukee Bucks star point guard Brandon Jennings, is surfacing in rumored trade talks that would send him to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for standouts Goran Dragic and Marcin Gortat.
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