Warriors Trying to Unload Contracts to Sign Howard

December 22, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) dunks the ball against Golden State Warriors point guard Jarrett Jack (2) during the overtime quarter at ORACLE Arena. The Lakers defeated the Warriors 118-115 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

According to reports, the Golden State Warriors are trying to unload a couple contracts to be able to sign Dwight Howard, instead of completing a sign-and-trade with the Lakers. The players mentioned in trade talks are Andrew Bogut, Andris Biedrins, and Richard Jefferson.

The Warriors are currently have $70 million tied up for this season, so they are going to have to try and cut around $30 million worth of contracts. Biedrins makes $9 million, Bogut makes $14.2 million, and Richard Jefferson makes $11 million. It’s going to take giving up some assets for the Warriors to get rid of those contracts.

The most likely way the Warriors can get Dwight Howard is through a sign-and-trade with the Lakers. It’s going to take at least Bogut, one of Harrison Barnes/Klay Thompson, and a pick or two. At least.