Via GoldenStateofMind, Jonathan Givony at DraftExpress is reporting that the Warriors have offered Biedrins, Ellis, and Udoh to the Magic for Dwight Howard. I’d have to imagine it will take more than that, though in the end it will depend on what other teams offer (Lakers/Bynum?) if the Magic decide they can’t afford to see Howard walk — a distinct possibility considering how much Shaq fleeing to LA with no compensation seems to still needle the fan base.

No surprise that Lacob would want in on this action — he saw how much of a difference a bona fide superstar can make when his Celtics acquired Kevin Garnett. I would certainly agree — and would do this trade in a heartbeat if the Magic gave the green light (this trade doesn’t work as-is salary-wise, so I’d assume the Magic would dump a bad contract in there as well).

I’d just be happy that someone is taking Biedrins, Udoh would become much less necessary with Howard prowling the paint (though how fun would it be to see them play together?), and while Ellis would be missed, there’s no question that Howard is by far the better player.

But what if the Magic want more? Is there a better combination that would work for them — and wouldn’t be too painful for the Warriors? There’s the #11 pick (I believe the Warriors would have to draft the player for the Magic and then trade him, since they can’t outright trade the pick before the draft), and of course, Curry is the other name that they’d surely be asking for (would they want also want to replace Biedrins with Lee in the deal, or would Lee’s contract scare them off?). Would you include Curry in a trade if it meant getting Howard?

I would, provided that Howard signed an extension. Howard is a clear top-5 player in the league, and some systems rate him as #1. If the Warriors could sign him to a long-term deal, I’d trade anyone to get him.

But if it’s just for the 1-year rental, then I’d keep Curry out of the deal. Sure, he didn’t make the leap many of us expected/hoped for, but he still has more potential for growth than anyone else on the team at an incredibly valuable position.

So we’ll see. I’d have to imagine that the Magic will get better offers, starting with the Lakers. But you never know — maybe the more “likely” trade partners get cold feet, in which case working aggressively to get in the game as the Warriors appear to be doing could just pay off.

A fan can dream, after all…