Dwight Howard: Listing the Odds Of Where He Will Land

Golden State Warriors

May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30, left) and power forward David Lee (10, right) react after game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Warriors stand out in this list of teams because they are the only one that would require major moves to acquire Howard.

They are already over the luxury tax for the 2013-14 season, so they would need to move several players to try to make a bid for the All-Star center. It would be surprising not to see the Warriors have to part with Klay Thompson or Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut or David Lee.

Despite all of this, Howard would improve the Warriors. He is an upgrade over Bogut and would serve as a younger, more athletic interior presence compared to the 28-year-old Bogut and 30-year-old David Lee.

Like the Hawks, the Warriors do not enjoy income tax-free status. In fact, they play in a state with one of the highest income taxes. They are, however, younger than the Mavericks or Lakers, and are closer to Houston in age.  A player like Howard, who has historically had issues with his coaches, would appreciate playing under a player’s coach like Mark Jackson. Jackson’s background as a respected player, a preacher and a great motivational speaker could improve his chemistry on the team and smooth out locker room issues. Combine that with the fact that the Warriors are a young and up-and-coming team playing in a major metropolitan area, and you have a strong case for Golden State.

Probability: 15 percent