Dwight Howard Denies Rumors that he is Unhappy in Houston

Dwight Howard is shutting down rumors that he is unhappy playing alongside James Harden with the Houston Rockets. The earlier reports suggested that Howard could be traded before he enters free agency this upcoming offseason.

"I chose to go to Houston, so why would I just say, 'I'm not happy' and leave," Howard told USA TODAY Sports. "I chose this place, you know what I'm saying? And I want to make this thing work here."

After confirming that he wants to stay in Houston, Howard did acknowledge the fact that the team is struggling. The Rockets are 12-14.

"Obviously we haven't been playing great basketball, and personally for myself my numbers don't seem like I've been playing great, but the only thing on my mind is trying to grow as a man and grow as a teammate and a leader." Howard added. "All the BS that's around, sometimes it is frustrating to hear it, because I know who I am as a man and I know what I'm trying to do for this city."

Howard is currently averaging 12.6 points with 11.6 rebounds.

Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who replaced Kevin McHale, expressed his thoughts on the rumors as well, stating that Howard has remained committed to the team.

"Since I've taken over, I've tried to spend a lot of time with Dwight," Bickerstaff said in another USA TODAY Sports report. "And Dwight's mind, his heart, are in the right place. He's about the right things. Dwight wants to win. He wants to play the right way. He wants to contribute to winning, obviously at a high level. So for me, that's all I can go on. I trust Dwight. He hasn't misled me at any point since I've known him, since I've been working with him. So I can't hang any value to what other people are saying."

Bickerstaff added that although he is sure that Howard is frustrated, he also knows that Howard will continue to work harder. The coach stressed the importance of giving Howard a bigger role.

"I've got to do a better job of getting him the ball in positions where he can score. Our group has to do a better job of finding him when he's open," he explained.

Fellow Rocket teammates, Corey Brewer and Trevor Ariza, added that the team's morale and confidence is still high. They believe that once they find their rhythm back and win a few games in a row, they can really become a force again.

Even if Howard is demanding a trade, he is still expected to become a free agent to take advantage of the new salary cap.

The Rockets are playing the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday, Dec. 17 at 10:30 p.m. on TNT.