“If I could play with Derrick (Rose) right now and God wanted that to happen, it will happen,” (Dwight) Howard told the Tribune. “It has nothing to do with me not wanting to play with Derrick Rose. I love him. That’s my brother.”

Howard disputed the notion that marketing issues factored into his leaving the Bulls off his initial trade wish list. Both Howard and Rose have contracts with Adidas, and some believe the company doesn’t want two signature players on the same team.

“It has nothing to do with Adidas,” Howard said. “In fact, Adidas would love that because me and Derrick have the same guy.”

via Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune