Gorman: Possible Howard Trade 'Not A Bad Roll Of Dice' For Celtics
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Celtics beat the Knicks on Tuesday night to move into a tie for third place in the Eastern Conference, but it's a trade rumor that is dominating the headlines on Wednesday morning.
The Celtics have reportedly "engaged" the Houston Rockets in trade talks for center Dwight Howard, a rumor that has been met with a mostly negative reaction among Celtics fans.
CSNNE's Celtics play-by-play man Mike Gorman joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich on Wednesday to discuss the rumors, and wouldn't be opposed to the deal if it comes at the right price.
"The locker room is strong enough to withstand a Dwight Howard," said Gorman. "He strikes me as an immature person, but I don't think he would mess up the locker room like [DeMarcus] Cousins would. He brings a defensive presence. Yes, he has to be off the floor the final few minutes [because of his poor free throw shooting], but so be it."
Howard has a player option for $23 million next season but could opt to become a free agent, as salaries expected to balloon across the NBA. Gorman said if Boston could acquire the center on the cheap it's a risk worth taking, and one that could help them get to the Eastern Conference Finals.
"If the cost of this is one of those Brooklyn picks two years out and David Lee to rent Dwight Howard and see where the chips fall after the season, I would be willing to listen to that," he said. "It's not a bad roll of the dice.
"I can't believe I'm on Fred's side on this," joked Gorman.
