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Houston Rockets Trade Rumors: Talk of Dwight Howard for Hassan Whiteside heats up

By Coty Davis

Feb 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) looks on in the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) looks on in the game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Houston Rockets trade rumors regarding Dwight Howard going to the Miami Heat for Hassan Whiteside surface via Frank Isola of the New York Daily News.

When Calvin Watkins of ESPN reported that Dwight Howard was unhappy with the Houston Rockets, the news sent shock waves across the Association.

@FisolaNYDN @TropicalBlanket pic.twitter.com/MKEk1rO6hF

— Mario (@Sucks) February 15, 2016

When Houston Rockets trade rumors began to arise, I examined the possibility of a Dwight Howard for Hassan Whiteside swap. At the time fans were not in favor of this idea. Later both teams denied the possibility of this type of trade occurring.  And, I ended up feeling a little foolish for the suggestion. However, yesterday I awoke to the news of a potential trade with – – yep, you got it Hassan Whiteside and Dwight Howard.

The New York Daily News Frank Isola  reported that the Rockets and the Miami Heat are discussing a deal, that will send the eight-time all-star to South Beach in exchange for Whiteside. Like it or not, Howard’s career in Clutch City is coming to an end, and I still stand by my opinion two months ago. This trade is the best move for Daryl Morey and his Rockets.

Whiteside is an up-and-coming center, who has established himself as one of the league’s top defensive players. At 26-years old, Houston will continue having a solid presence down on the low post. Whiteside is much younger, faster, and more physical than a 30-year old Howard who is turning into a shell of his former self.

Acquiring Whiteside before Thursday’s deadline will make Houston a considerably better team both now, and in the future assuming the Rockets could re-sign him.

For fans who are not familiar with his game, take a look at his dominating performance in the 109-89 victory over the Rockets earlier this season. Whiteside put up an astonishing double-double of 25 points, and 15 rebounds.

If the Heat are willing to let their young and valuable center go for a former all-star, why not make it happen. If there is anyone worth trading Dwight Howard for, it’s Whiteside.

However, it is sad to see Howard’s career in Houston turn into the Dwightmare part III. Hopefully, Morey will trade Howard before he abandon Houston the same way he did Orlando and Los Angeles. The once proud Superman who carried a team to the finals, is turning more into Lex Luthor with every franchise he demolishes.

Next: Could Houston Rockets Waste the Next Generation?

With the trade deadline around the corner make sure you visit Space City Scoop daily for our trade series. Each day SCS will feature an article on who the Rockets should trade for or what it would take to part ways with the players currently on the roster. Finally we’ll assess the Rockets and each team in the Association in terms of what their needs are, if they should be buyers or sellers and also speculate on who would be the ideal trade target.