Bulls Now Entering Howard Sweepstakes (ESPN)

[themurph]

Now it's becoming a bidding war...Lakers, Nets, and now the Bulls....

Crazy...


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Updated: December 10, 2011, 11:52 PM ET
Source: Bulls hope to be in Howard talks

http://espn.go.com/chicago/nba/story...-dwight-howard

By Nick Friedell
ESPNChicago.com

CHICAGO -- Add the Chicago Bulls to the list of teams that will be exploring all options to land Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard.

The Bulls believe they have enough young pieces to complete a trade for the perennial All-Star. They will have conversations in the coming days with Magic GM Otis Smith about putting together a package for the talented big man, according to a league source.

Howard told the media on Saturday he has formally asked to be traded.

"The last couple of weeks before training camp were very tough," Howard told the Associated Press, explaining his decision. "Just stressed out about it. Got sick, couldn't sleep. It was a very stressful time. After I said what I said to Otis, got it out -- I started feeling better."

Smith said the team will move forward.

"When you invest seven years in a player and that's what he decides, then you have to deal with that from that angle. But it's not the end of the world," Smith said, according to the Associated Press. "Like I said before, the Orlando Magic franchise is what it's about. We like to make this into an individual game, but the fact of the matter is it's a team sport. And we'll continue to move forward. "

The Bulls figure to offer Smith anyone on their roster in order to make the deal work, with the exception of reigning NBA MVP, Derrick Rose.

In addition to agreeing to terms of a trade with Orlando, acquiring Howard likely will take a bit of salesmanship from the Bulls. On Friday, the Magic granted the New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers permission to talk to Howard's agent, Dan Fegan, about possible deals. New Jersey, with whom Fegan reportedly met on Thursday, presently looks to be the front-runner for his services.

The Bulls have yet to speak to Fegan about a deal nor have they received permission from Orlando to do so, the source said.

If the Bulls were able to speak to Fegan, the source said their main selling point would be that with Rose and Howard, Chicago would have a nucleus capable of winning an NBA title. In many ways, the Bulls' pitch, if they do indeed get to make one, could sound a lot like the one they made to free agents LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in the summer of 2010. Both James and Wade spurned the Bulls last summer to sign with the Miami Heat.

The Bulls aren't atop Howard's wish list at the moment, but that doesn't their potential offer wouldn't be appealing from Orlando's vantage point. Smith noted Saturday that the Magic will explore every possible option.

"We wouldn't be who we are if we don't take a look around all 29 teams and try to make the best deal for the Orlando Magic," Smith said, according to The Orlando Sentinel.

It is unclear at this point whether Howard, slated to be a free agent at season's end, would be willing to sign an extension with the Bulls, especially given he has already given Fegan his preferred destinations. It's also highly unlikely the Bulls would make the deal without knowing for certain that Howard would sign the extension.

The Chicago Tribune first reported, via sources, the Bulls' interest in Howard.

[christian1923]

man shit is getting real

[Haymaker]

Deng + Boozer/Noah.

[Reverend Hoops]

[32Dayz]

Do Bullz need Dwight Howard?

[Kurosawa0]

Do Bullz need Dwight Howard?

There is literally no team in the league that doesn't need a Dwight Howard.

[PyrrhusX]

AHHHHH MAAARRRR GGAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWDDDD.

If bulls get him, I would feel awesome for Rose.
But seriously, today has been intense.

And clippers apparently going for Paul now.

/inb4 cavs trade for both CP3/D12

[Kingwillball]

Howard and Rose would be a Nasy Combo not gonna lie..

[bagelred]

C'mon LAKERS!!!! Get Howard out of eastern conference!!!

[themurph]

Do Bullz need Dwight Howard?

When you have a dominating DEFENSIVE minded franchise center out there, you have to get involved....

[UK-NJ]

C'mon LAKERS!!!! Get Howard out of eastern conference!!!

QUIET YOU!!!

[jlitt]

If im chicago no way in hell i trade Noah. Dude is heart and soul of that team and is a winner in every aspect. Plays great D and is an amazing rebounder.

[2010splash]

Just stop it. Every year we go through this shiet.

Gasol, Garnett, Kobe, Amare, Carmelo, LeBron, Wade, Bosh and probably a ton more were all hot rumors to the Bulls at some point.

There's nothing different about this. Sure they'll try but I think Howard will force his way to LA.

[bagelred]

QUIET YOU!!!

tee hee

[christian1923]

If im chicago no way in hell i trade Noah. Dude is heart and soul of that team and is a winner in every aspect. Plays great D and is an amazing rebounder.

Are u retarded?