Dwight Howard Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Dwight Howard Leaning Toward Rockets

May 31st, 2013 at 9:15pm CST by Chuck Myron

Dwight Howard is leaning toward signing with the Rockets, but he'll meet with every potential suitor once free agency begins July 1st, according to HoopsWorld's Alex Kennedy (Twitter links). The Rockets are increasingly optimistic about their chances to land the big man, though given the indecisiveness he's shown in the past, Houston may not be his preferred destination by July 10th, the first day he can sign a contract.

Officials from teams other than the Lakers can't talk to Howard until July 1st, but that doesn't preclude players on opposing teams from chatting with him and trying to influence his decision. Howard has already spoken with James Harden, sources tell Kennedy, who believes Howard and Rockets sharpshooter Chandler Parsons have spoken as well (Twitter link). A conversation with Parsons might have been somewhat odd, since there's a chance he might not be around if the Rockets end up with Howard. Parsons' $926,500 contract for next season, partially guaranteed for $600K, could wind up a casualty of the team's effort to clear cap space, as Salary Cap FAQ author Larry Coon surmised last month. Houston already appears to be shopping Thomas Robinson in an effort to make room for Howard.

The Rockets, along with the Lakers, Mavericks and Hawks, appear to be the most fervent suitors of Howard, though Kennedy reported a couple of weeks ago that there's still mutual interest between Howard and the Nets. Brooklyn's salary cap limitations would make it almost impossible for him to wind up there, but if Howard is as open to pitches from teams as he seems to be, other clubs with cap room may get involved.

Howard is eligible for a contract of up to four years and about $87.59MM if he signs with a team other than the Lakers. If he stays with the purple and gold, he could get up to five years and $117.95MM.

Rockets Increasingly Hopeful Of Signing Howard

May 31st, 2013 at 10:10am CST by Luke Adams

While plenty of fans and pundits have made the argument in recent weeks that the Rockets make the most sense as a destination for Dwight Howard, there's been no real indication that Howard has felt the same way. But that may be changing, as ESPN.com's Marc Stein reports the Rockets have been receiving "hopeful signals" that Howard will seriously consider signing in Houston.

According to Stein's sources, Howard has conveyed an interest in Houston to James Harden, who previously stated that he planned to be involved in recruiting free agents this summer. Stein adds that Howard has already indicated he'll field in-person pitches from the Rockets and Mavericks — more teams could be added to that list as free agency approaches.

The Rockets' hopeful outlook on Howard makes some sense, considering the rumor we heard yesterday — Houston is reportedly shopping Thomas Robinson in an effort to clear the cap space necessary to make Howard a max offer. According to Stein, Rockets GM Daryl Morey has spoken to multiple teams about Robinson, and sources tell the ESPN.com scribe that Morey has been leaving the impression that he believes Houston has a real shot at landing Howard.

Despite the Rockets' optimism, we know from past Dwight-related drama that the All-Star center isn't exactly decisive, so he may feel differently in a month than he does now. Stein also quotes one "longtime Howard-watcher" as saying that D12 has a penchant for "making everyone feel good about their chances."

If Howard were to sign with the Rockets, he'd be eligible for a contract of up to four years and about $87.59MM. With the Lakers, he could get up to five years and $117.95MM.

Rockets Shopping Robinson For More Cap Space

May 30th, 2013 at 5:11pm CST by Ryan Raroque

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reports that the Rockets are trying to deal Thomas Robinson in an effort to clear more cap room for a run at Dwight Howard. The former Kings lottery pick is on the books for about $3.52MM next season, and Houston has made it clear to several teams that they'll accept the best offer. Should the team's effort to deal Robinson be successful, Wojnarowski writes that the Rockets will be able to pitch a max contract offer to Howard starting at nearly $20.5MM per season.

In addition to targeting teams with cap space, Wojnarowski adds that Houston is seeking a trade package that could include assets in the form of a trade exception, draft pick, or non-guaranteed contracts that could be unloaded. With the Mavericks and Warriors expected to be in the race for Dwight once free agency starts, acquiring more cap room for the sake of making a bigger offer can only enhance the Rockets' chances of landing the seven-time All-Star, who one source said is intrigued at the prospect of playing alongside a supporting cast that includes James Harden and Chandler Parsons.

Western Links: Gay, Howard, Mavs, Hornacek

May 27th, 2013 at 1:41pm CST by Luke Adams

It's Memorial Day in America, but it's certainly no holiday for the Grizzlies and Spurs, who will meet in Memphis tonight, with the Spurs looking to complete a four-game sweep. As the Grizzlies look to begin climbing out of a 3-0 hole, ESPN.com's Kevin Pelton (Insider-only link) re-examines a question that has come up several times in the last few months, exploring whether Memphis misses Rudy Gay. Here are a few more Memorial Day links from around the Western Conference:

Dwight Howard is "wide open" to the Mavericks, tweets Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld. That fits with what we've heard about Howard being willing to listen to pitches from any team when free agency opens. Ingram goes on to say that the Mavs, unlike the Rockets, actually project to have the space necessary to sign Howard without making a corresponding move. Without O.J. Mayo's option on the books, that may be true, though it will likely depend on how much the salary cap increases for 2013/14.
In exploring the Mavericks' chances of landing Howard, Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com wonders if the Rockets are a greater threat than the Lakers.
Sam Smith of Bulls.com touches on the upcoming Howard drama in his latest piece, in which he also explains why his idea of a LaMarcus Aldridge-for-Kevin Love trade could make some sense.
The Suns' hiring of Jeff Hornacek may give the team a boost in the community, given Hornacek's positive reputation in Phoenix, but it wasn't a factor in GM Ryan McDonough's decision, a source tells TNT's David Aldridge. Aldridge speculates that the community impact is something owner Robert Sarver may have considered. Aldridge's Morning Tip also includes a look at Larry Bird and details on Billy Hunter's lawsuit.
Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv lists all the players scheduled to participate in the Timberwolves' draft workouts this week.

Latest On Dwight Howard

May 27th, 2013 at 8:54am CST by Luke Adams

Five weeks from today, we'll be inundated with stories about free agents meeting with teams and perhaps even agreeing to contracts, as July's free agent period begins. But for now, one of the crown jewels of this year's class, Dwight Howard, remains undecided about his destination. Here are a few of the latest stories on the All-Star center's free agency, as decision day draws nearer:

Speaking to Sam Amick of USA Today, Pau Gasol suggested it'd better from the Lakers' standpoint if Howard made a decision sooner rather than later but said there's nothing wrong with D12 exploring his options. "I'm not him," Gasol said. "I'm not in his position, but I guess it all starts with his decision and I'm sure the franchise is waiting to see whether he decides to sign (with the Lakers) or sign with somebody else, I guess."
While the Lakers ostensibly have a financial advantage when it comes to re-signing Howard, that may not ultimately amount to much, says Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times. As Pincus points out, if Howard signed for four years rather than five, he could make up a good chunk of that fifth-year money on his next deal. And if he were to sign with a Texas team, the difference in taxes could make the difference in salaries virtually negligible.
When free agency opens, expect Howard to listen to any team interested in making him a pitch, says Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld. After considering his options, Howard will likely choose the place where he'd be happiest and most comfortable.

Odds & Ends: Magic, Warriors, Dwight, Clippers

May 24th, 2013 at 11:01pm CST by Chuck Myron

In the NFL, teams are frequently better off drafting for positional need rather than going for the best player, writes Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, who argues that the opposite is true in the NBA. Thus, he implores the Magic to ignore fans who have football on the mind and draft the most talented player available with the No. 2 pick. He also notes that the Orlando summer league will add a title game this year, similar to the Las Vegas summer league, and sees Kevin Love's frequent chats with Flip Saunders as encouraging news for the Timberwolves. Here's more from around the Association as a long weekend commences:

Dwight Howard's camp has "never given the slightest indication" that he wants to join the Warriors, tweets Tim Kawakami of the Bay Area News Group (Twitter link), echoing an earlier report from Ric Bucher of 95.7 The Game. Kawakami thinks the W's shouldn't pursue Howard as a result.
Grantland's Bill Simmons points to evidence that suggests Howard is in decline, leading him to advise the Lakers to pass on him. Simmons encourages Howard to sign with the Rockets instead.
DeAndre Jordan was surprised to see the Clippers and Vinny Del Negro part ways, as the center tells Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston (Twitter link).
As for Del Negro's replacement, HoopsWorld's Bill Ingram makes the case that Nate McMillan and Brian Shaw should top the list of coaching candidates for the Clippers.
Point guard Pierre Jackson will work out on June 17th for the Trail Blazers, Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com reports, adding that strong workouts in New Jersey this past week have turned the Baylor senior into a potential first-round pick.
Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune thinks the Wolves will shy away from guards with the No. 9 pick, as long as they don't trade the selection (Twitter link).

Pacific Rumors: Gentry, Howard, Kings, Evans

May 24th, 2013 at 12:12pm CST by Luke Adams

As we head into the offseason, the Clippers and Lakers are looking to retain elite free-agents-to-be, the Warriors are looking for ways to upgrade a roster that's dangerously close to tax territory, the Clippers and Suns are in the market for a new head coach, and the Kings are in the process of changing ownership groups. The Pacific Division certainly isn't lacking for storylines, so let's round up the latest on a few of them:

Alvin Gentry has a standing invitation to join Mike D'Antoni's staff with the Lakers as an assistant, but is more interested in the Clippers' open head coaching spot, as Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com writes. Gentry is expected to be among the candidates receiving consideration once the process gets more serious, says Shelburne.
Ric Bucher of 95.7 The Game (Sulia link) downplays the significance of a recent report listing Golden State among Dwight Howard's potential destinations. According to Bucher's source, since making a wish list last year that included the Nets, Mavericks, and Lakers, Howard has become more open to the Rockets, but there's been no indication his position on the Hawks or Warriors has changed.
Once the new ownership group is able to officially take control of the Kings, Vivek Ranadive and Co. intend to begin sorting out the team's basketball operations "very quickly," as Ranadive tells Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee.
Jones adds within the same piece that Tyreke Evans' free agency figures to be the biggest roster decision facing the Kings this summer. For his part, Evans plans on waiting until the ownership situation stabilizes, and says agent Arn Tellem will meet with management once things are settled.

Western Notes: Dwight, Gasol, Kings, Grizzlies

May 23rd, 2013 at 10:41pm CST by Ryan Raroque

We've rounded up a few links on Dwight Howard tonight. Peter May of Sheridan Hoops explains why it wouldn't make sense for him to choose a return to the Lakers over a chance to join the Rockets. Marcus Thompson II of Mercury News - going off of the speculation linking Dwight to the Warriors - lists some of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of Golden State being able to acquire him. Tim Cowlishaw of SportsDayDFW thinks that the Mavericks will finish fourth behind the Hawks, Houston, and Los Angeles in the sweepstakes for Howard, adding that Dallas has little else to offer aside from no state income tax. Here are a few more links to share out of the Western Conference:

On an appearance with Fitzsimmons and Durrett on KESN-FM, ESPN's Chad Ford explained why the Mavericks could have some issues in trying to deal their 13th overall pick. With a draft pick owed to Oklahoma City next year, Dallas can't technically deal their pick until draft night and would have to select a player for a team that they've made a prearranged deal with. Only until after they've drafted a player would they be able to trade his rights in order to get around the NBA rule that prohibits teams from trading a first-round pick in consecutive seasons (hat tip goes to SportsDayDFW). Though it is a strategy that Ford disagrees with, he admits that the pick will likely be moved.
Later in the interview, Ford spoke about Dallas' chances of adding Dwight, saying that he's more available to them than Chris Paul at this point. He also said that their pitch could also depend on whether or not they can make the team attractive enough to make Howard believe it will contend, and that Houston looks further along in the process in that respect.
Completely focusing on the situation between Howard and the Lakers heading into the summer, Steve Kyler of Hoopsworld says that the big man just wants to enjoy the game again and that it will be up to the team to convince him that he can do so in Los Angeles. Kyler reiterates that Brooklyn had been Howard's initial choice and that L.A. had been someone else's preference (Twitter links).
As for Pau Gasol, Kyler predicted that the Lakers will keep him, let his deal expire, and then re-sign him to a cheaper deal, also mentioning that he doesn't think they'd trade him without knowing what happens with Dwight first.
Ailene Voisin of The Sacramento Bee hears that the NBA Board of Governors will take a formal vote on the Kings sale between the Maloofs and the Ranadive-led group on Tuesday next week (Twitter link).
Though there appeared to be some disagreements on the Grizzlies' practice court with regards to making adjustments against the Spurs, Matt Moore of CBS Sports says that there weren't any indications that the players were upset or angry with each other or coach Lionel Hollins and chalks it up to any normal frustration from a team being down 2-0 in the playoffs. Though I wouldn't think that Hollins' future in Memphis is exclusively determined by whether or not he gets the team past the conference finals, it will be intriguing to see if the way they finish the postseason factors into the team's decision on potentially offering him an extension.
Darnell Mayberry of NewsOK gave Kevin Durant his season report card, listing that while he had his best season to date, his good-but-not-great playmaking, the instances where he lacked poise, and his propensity to turn the ball over were reasons why the Thunder superstar didn't earn straight A's this year. To Durant's credit, Mayberry explains why his playoff struggles in recent years may make the 6'9 wingman more determined than ever next season. Lastly, a few of The Oklahoman's staff writers provide their take on Durant's season.

Odds & Ends: Mavericks, Jack, Bayless, Hollins

May 23rd, 2013 at 6:26pm CST by Ryan Raroque

In an article he released yesterday, Dwain Price of the Star-Telegram cited that two point guards who interest the Mavericks include Jarrett Jack and the Grizzlies' Jerryd Bayless. The source also said that after the Clippers released Vinny Del Negro, the feeling in Mavs camp is that Chris Paul would likely stay in Los Angeles considering he'd be given significant control over the next coaching hire. With that being said, Dwight Howard continues to be the team's top priority. Here are few more miscellaneous notes from around the league:

Though the future of Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins still remains uncertain, the impending free agent coach says that he's not worried about an extension or heading elsewhere and is currently focused on the playoffs, "I have a job…I'm happy with where we are and excited about what we're doing. That's my only concern. Everything else is irrelevant" (Teresa M. Walker of NBA.com).
Erik Spoelstra was pleased about James Jones' decision to not opt out at the end of this year and thus return to the Heat next season, says Chris Tomasson of FOX Sports Florida (Sulia link). Spoelstra: "It's great news…J.J. is a Miami Heat guy. (He and Udonis Haslem), they're special. All of our guys are special in this organization, but they're Miami-bred guys. They're Miami true and blue."
Ken Berger of CBS Sports tweeted that Jeff Hornacek interviewed with the Bobcats today and that Steve Clifford is headed for his next interview with the Suns, respectively.
If there's any coach that isn't confident about his team making significant improvements next season, it's definitely not Wizards head coach Randy Wittman, who told CSN Washington: "It doesn't matter with the No. 3 pick. If we could stay healthy and come together as we did last year, have a full season right from the start, we should put ourselves in that (playoff) position…It doesn't matter if we pick eighth, third or 30th" (J. Michael of CSN Washington).
Keith Schlosser of Ridiculous Upside sheds some light on Mike Singletary (not to be confused with the current NFL assistant coach), who has been making waves for his standout play overseas. The 6'6 swingman, who recently won the NBDL title with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, has been playing for Barako Bull Energy Cola – a PBA team currently participating in a tournament in Dubai. With his solid production in the D-League (10.1 PPG and 4.9 RPG along with 41% shooting from long range in 49 games) and his experience with competitive international play, Schlosser thinks that the next step would involve an NBA summer league invite and is curious to see what kind of opportunities Singletary could find heading up to the start of NBA training camp in the fall.

Mitch Kupchak Talks Howard, D’Antoni, Lakers

May 23rd, 2013 at 11:03am CST by Luke Adams

With Dwight Howard's free agency less than six weeks away, the All-Star center has been making headlines lately, with one report suggesting he was intrigued by the Rockets and Mavericks, while another indicated he expressed displeasure and frustration with head coach Mike D'Antoni to Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak.

Kupchak himself spoke to Mark Medina of InsideSoCal.com about the latest reports on Howard, the big man's free agency, and a few other Lakers-related topics. Here are the highlights from the Q&A with the Lakers GM:

On the report that Howard voiced his displeasure with D'Antoni:

"Criticism of a coach did not come up [in Howard's exit meeting]. Our coach did not come up. In terms of the way the season went and our talent, group and players and how they think in general, I would venture to say most of our players felt this was a frustrating season and that they didn’t get to show their talents as much as they would have liked to…. Pau [Gasol], Steve Nash and everybody felt the season didn’t go the way they wanted to. I think in general they all felt that there are ways to utilize their talent better going forward. That would include Dwight in that group."

On Howard's relationship with D'Antoni:

"I don’t want to start nitpicking. There are 13 guys on a team. The eight guys who don’t start don’t like the coach and the five who do start, there are usually two or three that aren’t happy either for one reason or another. I would venture to say at one point during the season for every player, they have a problem with the coach. But being around as long I’ve been around, it doesn’t bother me when I hear at some point a player didn’t see eye to eye with a coach. Players don’t have to like coaches. They just have to play hard. In L.A., our coaches get evaluated on wins and losses and not whether our players like them or don’t like them. It doesn’t matter."

On Howard's free agency:

"A player a has a right to be a free agent. It bothers me that there seems to be some media attention and criticism early in the process about Dwight and the coach and Dwight and free agency. Don't get me wrong. The sooner he makes his mind up, the better for everybody. That's my take on it. But he can't sign until July 10th anyway. I told him when he first got here, 'I'm not going to bug you. I believe this is the place for you. When you make your mind up, let me know.'"

On whether he's still confident that Howard will re-sign:

I’m optimistic…. We can’t get outbid. The city is a rabid Laker city. It extends from San Diego to Santa Barbara. When you’ve traveled with us, when you go to arenas on the road, there are three or four thousand Lakers fans in every arena. Our following is huge. The loyalty of the fans is huge. Players love the lifestyle, like a lot of people do to live in Southern California."

On whether the Lakers have a contigency plan if Howard signs elsewhere:

"That’s what we do. We plan years in advance. That’s what we have to do. Coaches go day to day. Management has to look a year, two or three down the road."