Having declined his player option with the Rockets, Dwight Howard is headed for free agency in July, and according to Ian Begley of ESPN.com, the Knicks are among the teams the veteran center will consider. Begley writes that Howard told friends earlier in the season that he’d be interested in playing for the Knicks, and that interest still exists with the free agent period around the corner, per Begley.
Of course, while Howard may be open to landing in New York, it’s not yet clear whether that interest will be reciprocated. With Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams opting out of their contracts, the Knicks figure to have more than $30MM in cap room, which would be enough to sign Howard, but the club will likely prioritize backcourt upgrades this offseason. Signing Howard might also mean jettisoning Robin Lopez, who signed a long-term deal with the Knicks a year ago and had a solid season.
Howard’s time in Houston probably can’t be considered a huge success, despite the fact that the Rockets made the Western Conference Finals in his second year with the franchise. The eight-time All-Star was never really a perfect complement for star shooting guard James Harden, and saw his involvement in the team’s offense decline during the past two seasons. Howard made 71 appearances for the Rockets in 2015/16, averaging 13.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.63 blocks in 32.1 minutes per game. He shot 62% from the field, but just 48.9% from the free-throw line.
Despite Howard’s up-and-down stint in Houston, ESPN’s Calvin Watkins reports that team officials tried to talk the former first overall pick into picking his player option and staying for one more season (Twitter link via ESPN’s Marc Stein). The Rockets could still make an effort to re-sign Howard in free agency, but they’ll have competition from other suitors now.
Rose
Melo
Porz
and Howard. would’ve been a championship team during there prime
During their prime, Porz would have been a kid.
Dwights going to be a knick now that they got rid of Lopez and filled their point guard hole
Yep they filled it with a really dependable player! What a disaster lol. The Knicks are funny.
1 year actually frees up long term. Howard is a no go. Rose is an upgrade at point and Galloway still around as a solid backup/starter when Rose can’t go. Knicks don’t blow the 30mm cap on “star” and have $50mm plus – assuming they keep Melo – for 2017 class. Move Melo for solid pick and starter now looking at $75mm for 2017.
No thank you.
The over the hill team is assembling.
Knicks will get Pau Gasol 1st, then maybe Howard
Which of those two (plus Porzingas) would come off the bench? Because I doubt either of them want to do that right out of the gates. Also, I don’t see Gasol going to a team that is still rebuilding. He’s going to try to win another ring or two and then worry about playing somewhere he wants to/with a certain player.
I’d rather sign Noah (who would be cheaper than Howard) and use the rest to sign/trade for a 3&D SG.
Not bad. I would gamble with Porzingis making the switch to center and go for KD
KD isn’t going to the Knicks. He’s trying to win a ring. His best chances are with GS, SA, or OKC.