Behind The Box Score

Following the contract extension agreement that the Chicago Bears reached with star running back Matt Forte earlier in the afternoon, Bears GM Phil Emery has made it clear that his team’s number one goal is to now pursue Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard. Howard, who has been the center of trade talks since March, has changed his mind numerous times on what he wants to do with his future. After telling media members that the Brooklyn Nets were the only team he would commit to long term, Howard has now been forced to deal with wherever he might land. Various trade offers have reached the desk of Orlando GM Rob Hennigan, including an offer from the Saskatchewan Rough Riders of the CFL, whom offered to give up $40 million in Canadian dollars, six seasons of Friends on Blu-ray, and an autographed Brian Adams hockey stick in exchange for the 6’11″ center. Hennigan would politely decline a few days later after intense deliberation. Now, Hennigan will have another excruciating decision to make.

Finally reaching an agreement with Forte was a huge step in the right direction for the Bears. With their franchise running back secured for another four years, Chicago is one superstar away from championship contention. Adopting the Micky Arison formula for success, Emery is willing to unload the “motherload” of trade offers for Howard. In an interview with Behind the Box Score yesterday, Emery guaranteed that Howard “would don the orange and blue next season. And no, I’m not referring to the 2006-07 Golden State Warriors.” When BtBS asked Emery what the offer would entail, he gave us a sneak peak of what Chicago would be giving up. “Look, I’m just going to say this. I learned from the legendary Mike Ditka, and that guy was crazy. He offered to give up his entire 1999 draft class for a pothead who just happened to play running back. With Dwight, we have one of the best athletes in the world, and if we can get him in Chicago, everyone will forget that our favorite baseball team here hasn’t won in 104 years.” 

Our interviewer, whose name is not going to be used for safety reasons, tried to remind Emery that Howard doesn’t even play football. With that being said, Emery said he is still focused on nabbing Howard for the 2012 season. With the addition of Brandon Marshall, the Chicago offense hopes to explode onto the scene, especially in a high scoring NFC North. Emery didn’t reveal what position Howard would play if he were to land in Chicago, but finished trade talk with this, “In Chicago, we have had a history  of winning. Whether that be the most homicides in one year, or the best rapper to schmash Kim Kardashian, Chicago isn’t happy with second place. Rob Hennigan, I’m speaking directly to you. I’m willing to give you the best trade offer you’ve seen in your short career as a GM, and if you don’t accept it, well, we will have problems. Let me remind you that I resided in the same cell as Tookie Williams. I can get you touched.” These are very strong words from a GM pursuing a player who doesn’t even play in the same league as the Chicago Bears, but nonetheless, at least this Chicago franchise is trying to improve.