Known and plausible Dwight Howard trade partners for Rockets: Heat and Hawks

The Rockets are reportedly shopping Dwight Howard, and they’ve reportedly spoken with the Celtics and Heat.

Who else?

Marc Stein of ESPN:

Sources told ESPN.com that the Hornets and Rockets have held exploratory talks on a potential Howard deal since Houston made him available last week. But one source close to the talks expressed pessimism Tuesday that the sides will be able to find common ground on a deal.

The Rockets are believed to be seeking at least one future first-round pick for Howard

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:

Sources: Charlotte's shown no interest in cashing assets for Dwight Howard. Clifford loved coaching Howard in Orlando, but no path to deal.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 16, 2016

Zach Lowe of ESPN:

the Rockets contacted Toronto, perhaps the closest thing to a one-player-away team, and found zippo interest, sources say

Calvin Watkins of ESPN:

So Houston has talked to Charlotte, Miami, Toronto and Atlanta about Dwight Howard.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) February 16, 2016

So, Boston, Toronto and Charlotte are seemingly out of the race. That leaves Atlanta and Miami – the teams Howard reportedly wants to join – as the only teams known to have talked with Houston and remain interested.

That’s obviously not a coincidence.

Howard will almost certainly opt out this summer. It’s hard to believe a team would offer enough to appease the Rockets without an assurance that Howard would re-sign.