NBA Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Sign Dwight Howard; James Harden Lose Center To Chandler Parsons, Dirk Nowitzki

Apr 09, 2016 11:42 AM EDT

The Dallas Mavericks are slowly climbing the Golden State Warriors dominated conference. At number seven in the division, the Dirk Nowitzki team is looking into gaining on the Portland Trailblazers of Damian Lillard, Matt Barnes' Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Clippers with the returning Blake Griffin and the Oklahoma City Thunder with the deadly combo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Another roadblock to their way to the top is the Kawhi Leonard who is slowly becoming the face of the San Antonio Spurs along with LaMarcus Aldridge and Danny Green. On top of all these basketball teams is Stephen Curry with his Golden State Warriors that boast of Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. With all the superstars standing in their way, how can the Dallas Mavericks dominate the Western Conference?

Speculations are rife that the Dallas Mavericks are looking into signing Dwight Howard by the offseason. With the Houston Rockets, which currently stands behind the Utah Jazz at number nine in the Western Conference, Howard has been plagued with NBA trade rumors since he signed with the team. Moreover, his rumored rift with James Harden strengthened the belief of others that the former Los Angeles Lakers star will be out of the Houston Rockets roster soon.

With Howard's free agency coming up, the Dallas Mavericks are considered a potential landing spot for the center. Although he will be a viable addition to the Deron Williams team, his asking price might be too steep for the group. In the past, Howard has been quite vocal with his intention of getting a max contract once his deal is up with the Houston Rockets.

"Sources says the Mavericks' interest in Dwight Howard as a free agent this summer will be dependent on the price," revealed Tim MacMahon of ESPN. He added, "The Mavs do not intend to be in on the bidding for Howard if it's in the neighborhood of a max contract, which would have a starting salary of more than $30 million. The Mavs made Howard their primary target and offered a max contract in 2013, when the center signed with the Rockets. However, concerns about the 30-year-old Howard's durability and desire have caused the Mavs to decide that he isn't worth a nine-figure investment over four years at this point."

While the Dallas Mavericks may have reservations with the deal, it looks like Chandler Parsons is eager to work with Howard once again. The two worked together in the Houston Rockets in the past. With both Howard and Parsons up for free agency, will the Dallas Mavericks be the place for them to reunite?

"I've expressed how I think he can be one of the dominant players in this league," said Parsons of Howard. He added, "I think he still has a lot left in the tank. He gets criticized a lot for whatever reason, but I still think he can be one of the best big men in the league and a game-changer. He's not that old [Howard is 30]. He still has a lot left in the tank."

Will Dwight Howard finally leave James Harden to reunite with Chandler Parsons? Can the Dallas Mavericks afford the max deal the center wants once he hits the free agency market? Or will Parsons and Howard reunite somewhere else?