Rondo for Howard trade rumors squashed
Has the controversy surrounding Dwight Howard reached an all time high (or rather low)? It seems it has, as rumors have been swirling along with the snow in Boston over a possible trade between the Celtics and the Lakers.
The latest rumor to be swept up through the media is that the Celtics may trade Rajon Rondo for Howard. Since Howard is reportedly unhappy and the Celtics are evidently better off without Rondo, so why not go through with the trade?
Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak has been mum on the issue, claiming he has not contacted Celtics GM Danny Ainge and refuses to comment any further to the media.
“I haven’t talked to Danny Ainge in weeks,” Kupchak said. “I made the statement a week or two ago that we’re not going to trade Dwight Howard and that hasn’t changed.”
Kupchack’s statement seems final. Sure, you could spend time finding some sort of hidden meaning somewhere, but it seems that he wants Howard to stay. Dwight Howard has received a great deal of attention as well; his frustrations in LA are well-known so it seems he may welcome a ticket out, even to the struggling Celtics. Howard has been just as quiet on the issue as Kupchak.
“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.”
The rumor is not that far-fetched though. There are some reports that preliminary talks have been ongoing between the two teams. Could this just be a piece of fluff to feed a bored media or is it a clue to what may be happening in the next week?
Howard has had a rough time in the 2012-2013 season, while he may find relief in the thought of being traded he isn’t saying a word about it now. The trade deadline is this coming Thursday though so there is still time to work out a deal should one exist.
