Dwight Howard has always had the issue of trying to co-exist with another superstar. So it may not be surprising if he does have one right now with James Harden.

Previously, Howard tried to make things work with Kobe Bryant in the Los Angeles Lakers after years of being the top dog with the Orlando Magic. His inability to get rolling was seen by many why he left the Lakers and ended up with the Rockets. When he arrived, Harden was not in the vicinity of where he is right now.

Seeing he had a chance to be the new face of the Rockets, the six-foot-10 bit the deal. Unfortunately, he didn’t seem to count on the fast rise of Harden, who is obviously the star of Houston to this day.

Howard ended up playing second fiddle, a territory that the big man has not yet gotten accustomed to. Hence, all rumors tying him up to being unhappy do make sense. Now, all that may have been punctuated by the fact that he is allegedly being dangled in a trade.

The reason behind the trade is being angled at security. Howard is expected to opt out after this season and likely hook up with another team. With no certainty on their part, the Rockets are saving themselves the trouble by trying to at least get something now than end up empty-handed.

Both have been playing poorly as of late, but it is clear that the Rockets would rather retain Harden. By potentially dealing Howard, the Rockets could be doing the bearded one a huge favor.

Issues between the two stars were unconfirmed but there was history of such. This was during the 2014 NBA playoffs where the Rockets were eliminated by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round. Any trace of friction died down, but there were claims that the two had separately asked for the Rockets to trade the other.

Right now, it wouldn’t be surprising to find the issue revived once again. Both have been playing inconsistently but Harden is likely to be retained over Howard at this point.

Harden hasn’t been shopped aggressively, which all the more points to Howard probably on the way out. In fact, it could happen in the next 24 hours unless there are really no takers for the big guy.