NBA trade rumors: Dwight Howard–Hassan Whiteside swap in the books?

Two centers that are impacting their teams are allegedly involved in talks that would see them switch places; these are the Houston Rockets' Dwight Howard and Miami Heat's Hassan Whiteside. 

Hassan WhitesideReuters

Howard and Whiteside are playing efficiently for their respective teams that are contending for a playoff spot but despite their performances, the two became potential trade pieces. 

The 30-year-old Howard was dragged into the rumor mill earlier during the trade period because he was reportedly unhappy with the way things are going in Houston. 

Whiteside, on the other hand, is an upcoming free agent and rumors are suggesting Miami to trade him while they can still get something in return for him.

Dealing Whiteside away also frees the Heat from the responsibility of re-signing him to a much lucrative contract. 

In a tweet by the New York Daily News' Frank Isola, he stated that the Heat and Rockets are discussing about a possible exchange between the two. 

If that deal materializes, another big three will be present in South Beach and it features Howard with All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh; meanwhile Whiteside heads to the Rockets and makes it a younger team. 

However, for this to happen, the Heat have to include a number of players or future picks to match Howard's $22.359 million contract and make the cap space work, since Whiteside's current pact only earns him $981,348 for the season. 

The contracts of veterans Luol Deng and Udonis Haslem can also be included together with Whiteside's to make the deal feasible. 

There is a strong possibility of this deal happening since recent reports stated that the Rockets are willing to part ways with Howard because he can opt out of his contract after the 2015–16 season. 

If that is the case, the Heat will again have the same concern of signing a center to a new deal, an issue they are getting rid of if Whiteside leaves before the trade deadline.