"I honestly think the Celtics believe they are not out of the running for a guy like Dwight Howard," Mannix said of the Orlando center, who is eligible for free agency after the season. "I know Boston believes they can't get him in a trade, but I really believe the Celtics think they can sell Dwight Howard on the city and on the team if he makes it to free agency. … And Boston, to be honest with you, they've got a pretty good pitch. They can tell him they have Rajon Rondo in place, a great point guard, a top-five point guard, Paul Pierce under contract for the next few years and all this cap space to give him a max deal. I think Boston has a real chance to make a strong pitch to Dwight Howard if he makes it to free agency (WEEI)."
I think the Celtics have a pretty good pitch, but it seems like Howard has had him mind made up, and that he will go to either the Nets, Lakers, or Mavs. I also think the Celtics aren't going to be able to wait till the end of the year. The Magic HAVE TO trade him before he becomes a free agent. They can't just let him walk out the door and get nothing in return.
A core of Howard, Pierce, and Rondo would be pretty awesome (except free throws at the end of games), but I really just don't see it happening.