David Lee had hoped he would get more playing time with the Boston Celtics, something he wasn't getting with the Golden State Warriors despite being part of the championship team last year.

At 32, Lee knows that his playing years are numbered but before he does go, he wants to exit with a bang.

He initially thought that all that could happen in Boston, seeing that the team really wanted him on the roster. With his experience, Lee was seen as someone who could beef up the frontline with experience, not to mention mentor the likes of Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk.

Unfortunately that hasn't happened and Lee has been playing less at only 18.4 minutes per outing. In short, Lee's expectations have not panned out and his high salary ($15.4 million) is something the Celtics seem to want to get rid of right now.

But with his high salary, which team could be interested in trading for Lee?

If any trade involving the center/forward would take place, it will certainly not be a straight up trade. It may involve other players on the Celtics fold and the word around is that it could be Tyler Zeller via ESPN.

And the target? Dwight Howard.

Howard's name has been hot off the headlines as of late, more about his alleged unhappy state with the Rockets. Howard has struggled to be the same dominant player with the Orlando Magic.

His effectiveness seems to have deteriorated through the years, something which many feel is a result of his inability to co-exist with a certified star.

Everyone saw it when Howard was with the Lakers, the big man struggling to blend with Kobe Bryant. Right now, many see the same issue for Howard with James Harden.

Howard landing in Boston could happen but the question now is on whether the Rockets would bite that exchange (a two for one deal) for the 6-foot-11-inch big man.

Howard has made it clear that the rumors of him being unhappy are false, although he is expected to opt out after the season. So if that would be the case, such could be a point for consideration by the Rockets if ever they do part with Howard.