NBA Rumors: 3 Teams that could sign Dwight Howard ahead of the 2019-20 NBA season

Around the turn of the decade, Dwight Howard was widely regarded as one of the most dominant forces in recent NBA history. The Atlanta native was the focal point of a high-flying Orlando Magic team, and by the time he was 23, Howard had already established himself as the best blocker and rebounder in the league.

However, Howard never managed to deliver a first title to the Magic, and a much-hyped move to the Lakers in 2012 lasted just one season. His three-year spell with the Rockets was solid, although Howard has since endured disappointing one-year stints with the Hawks, Hornets, and Wizards.

Injuries restricted Howard to just nine appearances during his time in Washington, and the Memphis Grizzlies are believed to be keen offload the veteran after acquiring him in the deal that sent C.J. Miles to the Wizards. At 33, Howard still has a few years left in the tank, and here we will examine three of his most likely destinations for the forthcoming season.

#3 Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard emerged as one of the biggest stars in the league during his spell in Orlando

Howard is no longer among the NBA's biggest stars, although a return to the Orlando Magic would be a huge story for the upcoming season. While a reunion initially sounds far fetched, Howard has previously stated that he has had conversations with the organization regarding a return, and the Magic will also find themselves in need of a backup center if the team decides to let Mo Bamba leave.

Howard would be able to produce solid numbers from the bench for a Magic team that is eying another playoff push following a successful 18-19 season, and his presence would also get plenty of eyes on one of NBA's smallest markets.

#2 Los Angeles Lakers

Dwight Howard season with the Lakers was considered a failure

The prospect of Dwight Howard joining the Los Angeles Lakers seemed remote last week, although DeMarcus Cousins' lengthy injury layoff has heightened the need for Frank Vogel's team to add another big. Just like the Magic, the Lakers are among Howard's former employers, however, his one year spell with the team between 2012-13 was a lot less memorable.

Yet, Howard has spent much of the summer attempting to rebuild his relationship with the LA franchise, and the 33-year-old stands out as perhaps the best veteran centre that the Lakers could sign this summer. Howard has also expressed his interest in linking up with LeBron James, and Cousins' continued absence could provide him with decent minutes.

However, the Lakers should also take caution form Howard's last spell with the team, and the veteran could grow impatient at playing backup to JaVale McGee.

#1 L.A. Clippers

Dwight Howard could help address the Clippers lack of depth

The Los Angeles Clippers enjoyed a stunning offseason as the franchise pulled off an incredible double move for Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The acquisition of two of the NBA's elite two-way players immediately puts the franchise among the leading contenders heading into the 19-20 season, however, the team appears short on depth when it comes to bigs.

The Clippers currently boast two centres in Ivica Zubac and Montrezl Harrell, although Zubac is still young and struggled in the past postseason, while Harrell remains more effective when playing at the four. This leaves the current roster with a huge hole at centre, and Howard is an out-and-out big that will average a double-double in 20 minutes per night.

Ultimately, the addition of Howard should be a no brainer, and he could prove to be the difference-maker as the Clippers look to dominate the West.