Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Are the Clippers Really an Option?

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has added the Los Angeles Clippers to his list of preferred destinations because he is intrigued by the idea of playing alongside the dynamic duo of Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.

The Magic have already granted permission to Howard's agent Dan Fegan to discuss trades with Howard's other preferred destinations, the Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets and Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN.

However, while the growing list seems to point to Howard's eagerness to leave, the former Defensive Player of the Year told Yahoo Sports back on Jan. 8 that he does not expect to be dealt before the All-Star Game on Feb. 24 in Orlando.

Howard is averaging 20.5 points, 15.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game this season. Although playing with Paul and Griffin would actually make him more productive -- his scoring average may decline, but he can open up the floor for teammates to both shoot and penetrate.

Should the Clippers become serious contenders for Howard, the team will likely have to part ways with promising center DeAndre Jordan. The Clippers may also have to part with one of their point guards since there is a logjam at the position behind Chris Paul.

Jordan averages 7.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game. Orlando would basically gut the Clippers for additional players, which might be difficult considering the Clippers' rather thin bench. The Magic would almost certainly expect to receive first-round draft picks, as well.

The prospect of Howard to the Clippers might be a long shot. The Magic may still feel they have a chance to resign him, and would need significant compensation to give him up.

A league source told ESPNLosAngeles.com's Ramona Shelburne that the Magic haven't had any serious discussions with the Clippers about Howard since the lockout was lifted. And, how serious those discussions can become remains to be seen.

The Magic are 9-3 after Monday's 102-93 win over the New York Knicks, while the Clippers are 7-3 after Monday's 101-91 win over the New Jersey Nets.