It is that time of the year again in the NBA and it is not about the Holidays. It is more about seeing the wild trade rumors from around the league and guess who just made the headlines recently—Dwight Howard!
After a somehow quiet three years where Howard has hardly made an impact compared to the days he was with the Orlando Magic, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that his name has come up again on trade rumors.
Further adding meat to the rumor is the fact that after this season, Howard can opt out of his contract for the next season where he is guaranteed $23.2 million per NBC Sports.
And right now, many believe that it will be the case though Howard says otherwise.
“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. I can’t focus on that. And I don’t want my teammates to focus on that,” said Howard via the Houston Chronicle.
Despite his claims, not too many people are convinced. It could stand for now, but the story could be different after the Rockets campaign this season.
Howard has obviously taken a back seat yet again. He had his problems with it with the Los Angeles Lakers, playing second fiddle to Kobe Bryant. And now it may be déjà vu once again as he tries to co-exist with James Harden.
Initial word of Howard possibly seeking a trade came from Chris Sheridan of Sheridanhoops.com who says that multiple trade sources say that Howard is extremely unhappy in Houston.
If performance is to be based, it does make sense in a way. Howard has been averaging just 12.6 points and 8.3 shots per game, way below the averages he has had in the first two seasons.
Injuries have of course partly to blame for the big dip but the 6-foot-11 bares that he is trying to help himself and his teammate play better, apparently preaching team ball of sorts.
The Miami Heat have been rumored as a possible trade partner where the obvious target is the rising shot-blocking demon Hassan Whiteside as mentioned via NJ.com.
It remains to be seen if the Heat would bite but seeing the potential of Whiteside, a trade may only ensue with additional assets to the package.
If a trade would not happen now, it may happen in the offseason.
USA Today bares that Howard is likely to opt out of the contract though the 30-year-old big man has denied any truth to the rumor.
If such is the case, Howard may want to pick up the pace on his performance if he wants to snag another big paycheck that could be long-term and likely the last for his colorful NBA career.