Dwight Howard Trade News: Center Unlikely To Re-Sign With Los Angeles Lakers

Dwight Howard will likely play for his third team in the NBA after several reports suggested that the superstar center is leaning towards not re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer.

According to Chris Broussard of ESPN, a source close to Howard said there is "little chance" of him signing a new contract with the Lakers this offseason despite the fact that he will have a huge pay cut should he decide to sign elsewhere.

The Lakers can put a maximum five-year deal worth $118 million on the table. But if Howard decides to sign with another team, the most he can get is a four-year, $88 million contract. 

However, the 27-year-old center seems to be willing to receive a $30 million-less paycheck because he believes that he will not thrive with the system of Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni.

In his first season with the Lakers since his blockbuster deal with the team, Howard averaged 17.1 points and 9.1 rebounds, his lowest scoring and rebounding production since averaging 17.6 points and 8.8 rebounds in his sophomore season.

Aside from his problems with D'Antoni's system, the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year was also unhappy playing alongside veteran superstar Kobe Bryant. Previous reports suggested that Howard didn't want to be second fiddle to Bryant, who is still the brightest star in the star-studded lineup of the Lakers.

Howard, who turned as an unrestricted free agent this summer, is planning to talk with the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and the Atlanta Hawks. The Golden State Warriors are also looking to have a dialogue with the coveted free-agent center.

The seven-time All-Star reportedly likes the possibility of playing alongside Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas, knowing that age is slowly catching up with the German superstar forward. The Mavericks need to clear some cap space though, in order to make room for Howard.

Howard is also intrigued with the idea of teaming up with James Harden and close friend Chandler Parsons in Houston. However, he is also concerned with how he will fit-in with the up-tempo and perimeter-oriented offense of the Rockets.

On the other hand, Dwight seems cold with the thought of playing for his hometown, Atlanta. Previous reports revealed that Howard will only sign with the Hawks if Chris Paul will go with him, but the All-Star point guard will likely stay put in Los Angeles after the Clippers successfully hired Doc Rivers as their new coach.