Houston Rockets 2016 Rumors: Dwight Howard Torn Between Rockets And Orlando Magic
In 2012, veteran center Dwight Howard left Orlando Magic for Los Angeles Lakers but the trade ended only in a single lackluster season for Howard as he rushed to depart for Rockets in 2013.
Although he's been with Houston for three years now, he was not the same center which made Orlando a formidable team to deal with on hardcourt. This year, the former All-Star player is currently linked to a number of rumors churning out from the gossip mills as the free agency season approaches.
As the quality of his gameplay with Houston declines, Howard is reportedly eyeing an opt-out from his contract with Rockets. If he makes good on his decision to leave Houston for something else, Orlando seems a pretty sensible idea for destination in the offseason as reported by Ecumenical News.
In a report by SB Nation, there are still a number of deterring factors that would make Howard-Magic deal very unlikely. Firstly, Magic is not interested to keep an injured center. His injury concerns somewhat jeopardize his Orlando comeback. Secondly, his astronomical salary cap number is another serious deal-breaker.
"Everyone has doubts whether the Magic can attract a star free agent or two - even with $45 million available. The competition will be fierce, plus they aren't endearing themselves to elite players with this second-half collapse...Howard will have other options this offseason, although he'd play second banana on any star-loaded contender. Not in Orlando," Fansided reported.
Meanwhile, the latest development saga ahead of the free agency season suggests Knicks eyeing for Howard. However, the center's previous tandem performances with the lead players of his former teams were not exactly convincing. He failed to make it work with Bryant while with Lakers. In his three-year stint with Rockets, he seemed to have done worse with James Harden according to Inquistr's latest rumor roundup on New York Knicks.
