Dwight Howard open to joining Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin proclaimed the Los Angeles Clippers "Lob City" when Chris Paul was acquired. Clippers fans can only imagine the possibilities with Dwight Howard on the team.

According to Chris Sheridan, Howard has added the Clippers to his list of preferred trade destinations. The Clippers join a list that reportedly includes the New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers.

Howard is set to become a free agent at the end of this season, but he also holds a player option for next year. It is believed the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year will opt out, forcing the Orlando Magic to consider dealing him this season or lose him with no compensation this summer.

Howard has told Magic executives that he would like to be traded, and Orlando has granted Howard's agent, Dan Fegan, permission to speak with certain teams.

It is unclear what the Clippers would offer the Magic for Howard, or if the team would be interested in breaking the bank for the five-time All-Star. Griffin and Paul, the cornerstones of the franchise, are presumably untouchable, leaving a collection of decent young talent and aging veterans.

A package for Howard would almost certainly have to include 23-year-old center DeAndre Jordan, who re-signed with the team for four years and $43.5 million last month. However, Jordan cannot be dealt without his permission until July 1, per NBA rules.

Outside of Jordan, the Clippers lack the serious assets to make a deal of this magnitude. Point guard Eric Bledsoe is likely considered the only other young player on the roster with any value, but it pales in comparison to that of Howard.

The Nets have become the favorites to land Howard if Orlando decides to move the center, but the team's chances were hurt when Brook Lopez went down with a foot injury. The promising young center is thought to be the centerpiece of any offers for Howard.

The Lakers could become a player in the Howard sweepstakes if they agree to part with Andrew Bynum, who has thrived through the season's first month. But Los Angeles may be reluctant to part with Bynum, who at 24 years old could be on the verge of stardom.

Dallas lacks the young talent that would most likely be needed in a trade, but if Orlando wants veteran talent, the Mavericks have a deep roster. Dallas may only become a player if Howard hits free agency, as the Mavericks have the contracts of Jason Terry and Jason Kidd -- almost $20 million combined -- coming off the salary cap this summer.

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