As the world waits in anticipation for Dwight Howard's decisions, teams are preparing their rosters and cap space for the max-contract in waiting. The Houston Rockets are attempting to trade away players in preparation. The Golden State Warriors are taking the same attitude. The Los Angeles Lakers appear to waiving the white flag, agreeing to negotiate a sign-and-trade with a team if Howard goes elsewhere. Filled with confidence, the Warriors are calling.
The Golden State Warriors truly believe they are the frontrunners to land Howard. In order to sign him, they must clear almost $30 million in cap space, requiring them to get creative with trades. The Lakers were originally set to let to lose Howard for nothing in return but free cap space, but now the L.A. Times reports the team is discussing a trade with the Warriors involving Klay Thompson and Harrison.
If the Lakers are going to do a deal, this will likely be it. Golden State is one of the only teams well over the salary cap. If they are going to sign anyone of marquee value, they have to pull off trades no matter what. Whether it be for Howard or possibly Andre Iguodala, they need some financial freedom. This is the only trade deal the Lakers are willing to consider.
The Warriors have been trying to trade away Andrew Bogut, Richard Jefferson and Andris Biedrins. They appear to have a taker for Bogut in the Utah Jazz. The two teams were negotiating a trade early on Friday. Nothing has yet to come from the discussions. If the Warriors are unable to pull off a trade for any of the three players, a sign-and-trade is their only option for Howard. The Warriors were not originally set on losing Barnes and Thompson, but the Lakers have no interest in any other player.
Golden State will explore all options before agreeing to the trade with the Lakers. The team's demands could be just the starting point of negotiations that will likely cost the Warriors a heavy price. If the Lakers are going to agree to any kind of deal, they will expect a lot. Golden State will have to be prepared to part with both players and some draft picks.
All of these discussions will render pointless if Howard decides to go somewhere like the Dallas Mavericks or even the Atlanta Hawks. Golden State will need to dump players no matter what, but this trade will not happen if Howard does not take his talents to the Bay Area.
