NBA Trade Rumors 2015: Dwight Howard To Miami Heat For Hassan Whiteside? Teams Lining Up For DeMarcus Cousins?

Dwight Howard and DeMarcus Cousins found themselves in the middle of the NBA Trade rumors this 2015.

According to Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops, Dwight Howard is not happy playing second fiddle to James Harden, and that's the reason why the rumors about the All-Star center being traded to the Miami Heat started.

"Howard is averaging 13.0 points (his lowest since averaging 12.0 in his rookie year) and 12 rebounds," the article claimed. "Through Monday night's games, he had attempted only 158 shots in 25 games - the sixth-highest total on the team behind Harden (507), Trevor Ariza (252), Marcus Thornton (236), Corey Brewer (185) and Terrence Jones (176), and only four more attempts than the seldom-used Ty Lawson (154)."

With those figures, Dwight Howard wasn't only playing second fiddle to James Harden, he's actually the sixth option for a team despite his perceived status as a dominant center.

But Dwight Howard played down the 2015 NBA trade rumors involving his name.

"People are going to say what they got to say to get a story out. People are always going to come up with some rumor and lies. That's what it is," he said. "I can't focus on that. And I don't want my teammates to focus on that."

Meanwhile, Sheridan Hoops reported another NBA trade rumor involving DeMarcus Cousins, as the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics are reportedly lining up to have a crack at the talented but mercurial center.

"Sacramento is listening, but the Kings are in a holding pattern and currently have no plans to make a deal despite sitting in 13th place in the 15-team Western Conference," it said. "But should owner Vivek Ranadive, general manager Vlade Divac and coach George Karl decide to change course, they have been made acutely aware what is available from the Celtics, Heat and Bulls."

Watch out for more NBA trade rumors 2015 which will be published here when they become available.