SI.com NBA writer Chris Mannix reports that the rumored deal for Dwight Howard to the Oklahoma City Thunder for both James Harden and Serge Ibaka could provide teams a benchmark for what the Magic want in return for their superstar center.
By leaking Harden and Ibaka, Orlando is letting teams know what kind of package they are looking for. That is the benchmark.
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) March 10, 2012
That price appears to be too high even for the Thunder who are not on the list of teams that Howard would reportedly consider resigning with at the end of the season. So trading two of their core players for a rest of the season rental doesn't seem too appealing even if combining Howard with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook would instantly make Oklahoma City the favorites to win the championship.
For more trade rumors involving the Oklahoma City Thunder head on over to Welcome To Loud City.