The "Dwightmare" just can't seem to go away as the latest rumor surrounding Los Angeles Lakers All-Star center involves a trade that can land him in a lot of green.
According to Ken Burger of CBS Sports, the Lakers have been in "preliminary trade discussions" involving a deal that would send Howard to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Rajon Rondo.
However, after the report was released, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak quickly refuted the claims and stuck to his guns that the Lakers were not interested in shopping Howard around at this time, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard.
"I haven't talked to Danny Ainge in weeks," Kupchak said, via ESPN. "I made the statement a week or two ago that we're not going to trade Dwight Howard and that hasn't changed."
Howard was also questioned by reporters, but gave a less definite answer.
"The only thing that matters is the present, and right now," Howard said. "There's no need to talk about what's going to happen at the end of the season. No reason to go back and forth about it. I just feel like at the end of the year, I should have my opportunity to make my own decision. I shouldn't be criticized for waiting for the end of the year."
Besides if a Howard for Rondo trade was in the works, there would be plenty of things that would have to be worked on and discussed about. Discussions about Rondo's injury would also take place considering the Celtics believe he will be ready by training camp even if that could be farther from the truth. Another reason, among the list of them, as to why this trade would not work is Dwight's uncertainty.
It's likely that GM Danny Ainge will not trade for Dwight unless he is willing to sign long term with the Celtics.
Still, it's unlikely this trade goes through, especially with Rondo out for the season.