Dwight Howard Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Latest On Howard/Van Gundy

April 6th, 2012 at 11:12am CST by Chuck Myron

Magic coach Stan Van Gundy's revelation that Dwight Howard wants him fired was the dominant story in the NBA yesterday. Many, including a slight majority of Hoops Rumors readers, believe Van Gundy will be gone before the end of the season. Here's what's happening as the saga continues to unfold:

Magic executives have been more open to the idea of firing Van Gundy than even Howard has as the team looks to build a cooperative relationship with its superstar, notes Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld.
Howard also pushed the team to fire former coach Brian Hill, according to Ian O'Connor of ESPNNewYork.com.
Van Gundy believes he'll finish the season as the Magic coach, HoopsWorld reports. He met with GM Otis Smith and Howard yesterday, the report states.
The coach is expected to travel with the team to Philadelphia for its game with the Sixers tomorrow night, Ken Berger of CBSSports.com tweets, so it looks like Van Gundy's job is safe for the moment. Magic CEO Alex Martins doesn't want to make a change now, Berger also notes via Twitter.
The Magic threatened Howard with a trade to the Lakers if he didn't opt in to his deal at the trading deadline, reports Fred Kerber of the New York Post. Despite the presence of the Lakers on his list of preferred teams, the Nets were far and away Howard's top choice, Kerber writes. The Magic favored the Lakers' offer of Andrew Bynum, Devin Ebanks and Steve Blake over New Jersey's package of Brook Lopez, MarShon Brooks, Mehmet Okur and two first-round picks.
Howard and Van Gundy tried their best to deflect the glare of yesterday's events in their comments following last night's loss to the Knicks, notes Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld. While Howard simply declined to comment on the matter, Van Gundy tried to shift the topic to on-court matters when asked about his future with the team. “That’s not what’s important right now,” the coach said. “It’s not. My job security is not what’s important right now. What Dwight wants is not important. What’s important is that we focus on playing better as a team. That’s what is important.”
J.J. Redick has Van Gundy's back, Kennedy also reports.
On ESPN.com's Daily Dime, Zach McCann says the Magic locker room might be beyond repair now, with some players frustrated with Howard's power plays and others in agreement with D12 that it's time for Van Gundy to go. McCann also mentions assistants Brendan Malone and Patrick Ewing as possible interim replacements should the Magic let Van Gundy go this season.
Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News calls on the Nets to end their pursuit of Howard in light of how he's tried to undermine his coach.
Tom Ziller, writing for SBNation.com, says that the Magic would have been better off trading Howard at the deadline, despite his willingness to stick around for another season.
Lang Greene of HoopsWorld gathers a few more reactions from around the league.

Howard Has Asked Magic To Fire Van Gundy

April 5th, 2012 at 7:43pm CST by Luke Adams

7:43pm: According to Mike Prada of SBNation (Twitter link), Van Gundy confirmed to TNT's David Aldridge that he's known all season that Howard wanted him fired.

5:51pm: CBSSports.com's Ken Berger writes that there's no chance Van Gundy will be back as head coach of the Magic next season.

3:13pm: Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski writes that Howard's attempts to get Van Gundy fired are just the latest development in a power struggle between the coach and star center.

11:34am: A source close to Van Gundy tells Wojnarowski that Howard has asked the Magic to fire Van Gundy multiple times since last summer (Twitter link).

11:17am: Just moments after Van Gundy spoke to reporters in Orlando, Howard talked to the same group, including Howard Beck of the New York Times (Twitter link), and denied that he'd asked management to fire the coach.

11:06am: Van Gundy told reporters, including Josh Robbins (Twitter link), that Howard has indeed asked Magic management to fire Van Gundy. This is a pretty surprising development — not just that Howard actually made the request, but that Van Gundy would publicly acknowledge it.

9:01am: During the height of the pre-deadline Dwight Howard drama, a report surfaced that suggested Howard had been offered the opportunity to determine the fates of GM Otis Smith and coach Stan Van Gundy if he re-signed. The Magic quickly released a statement denying it, but with Howard locked into his contract for another year, the rumors persist.

David Pingalore of WKMG Local 6 in Orlando reported this week that Howard has conveyed to Magic ownership that he'd like a coaching change, and won't consider a contract extension unless the team fires Van Gundy this offseason. Magic owner Rich DeVos told Pingalore that Howard won't be given that type of decision-making power, though the team will seek his input on any major decisions.

"He can't make those decisions and choices," DeVos said. "We will make those, but we will let him know what we are making and we want his opinion on what fits and doesn't fit."

Orlando CEO Alex Martins echoed that sentiment to Joshua Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, noting that the futures of Van Gundy and Smith, who are both under contract through 2012/13, won't be discussed until after the season. The Magic didn't make any specific promises to Howard when he waived his early termination option, according to Martins.

SI.com's Chris Mannix tweets that the Magic will do "whatever it takes" to placate Howard over the next year. If that means firing Van Gundy, they'll do it, says Mannix. In a separate tweet, Mannix adds that several rival executives believe the Magic coach would be highly coveted if he were to find himself out of work in Orlando.

I think Mannix is right that the Magic will give strong consideration to Howard's opinion. If Orlando makes a deep playoff run, it would be hard to justify firing Van Gundy, but if D12 pushes for it, I think it'll happen. What we don't know yet is whether or not that's what Dwight wants — hopefully he won't be quite as indecisive on this topic as he was on his contract situation.

Deron Williams Talks Free Agency, Howard, Nets

April 3rd, 2012 at 8:15am CST by Luke Adams

As he stated after the trade deadline, Deron Williams hasn't wavered on his stance to test free agency after this season rather than opting into the final year of his current contract. That doesn't preclude a return to the Nets, but Williams figures to explore all of his options before making a decision. The point guard talked to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports about his impending free agency, Dwight Howard, and his role in the Nets' decision-making. Here are the highlights:

Williams pointed out that teams don't get called "unloyal" for trading players like free agents do for leaving teams: "If [players] leave, we are not loyal, we are ungrateful. People say stuff to me on Twitter. They already think I’m gone. They are out there bashing me, saying to me I’m a traitor…. I didn’t ask to be here. I got traded. I didn’t come here being a free agent. This is the first time that I’m a free agent in my career."
Williams "probably" would've re-signed with the Nets if the team had managed to acquire Howard at the trade deadline: "Oh yeah, it definitely would have changed things. I’ve already made it known that if he would have come I probably would have stayed."
A winning situation will be Williams' first priority in free agency: "At the end of the day, I'm not getting any younger. I'll be 28 when I sign this next deal. I have to look for the best situation for me."
Nets GM Billy King thinks that having a hand in his team's decision-making process will be another draw for Williams. The point guard has worked with King and the Nets' front office on personnel decisions since December, according to King: "In training camp he was in my office after practice every day just sitting there. He calls himself, 'the assistant GM.'"
The Mavericks have long been cited as a potential destination for Williams in free agency, a fact he acknowledges: "They’d definitely love for me to play [in Dallas]. I know that. I’ve known that my whole career. The fans on Twitter, a lot of Dallas fans on Twitter, tell me to come back home. We’ll see."

Odds & Ends: Garnett, Spurs, Randolph, Howard

March 29th, 2012 at 4:53pm CST by Luke Adams

The top of this year's draft figures to be particularly UNC-heavy, with three Tar Heel underclassmen declaring their intentions to enter the draft earlier today. Harrison Barnes, John Henson, and Kendall Marshall will join senior Tyler Zeller as potential North Carolina lottery picks. And as ESPN.com's Chad Ford writes, the Tar Heels could make it five first-rounders if James McAdoo decides to enter the draft as well (Insider link).

Here are a few more afternoon links from around the Association:

Kevin Garnett seems open to returning to the Celtics next year and it's hard to argue Boston would be better off without him, writes Paul Flannery of WEEI.com.
Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News breaks down the contract details for Boris Diaw and Patrick Mills. Each of the new Spurs signed a minimum deal, with Diaw's expiring at season's end and Mills holding a minimum-salary player option for next season.
The Kings worked out Shavlik Randolph yesterday, but didn't sign him to a contract, tweets Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee. Jones adds that Randolph may be an option for Sacramento later.
According to Jeff Van Gundy, "only the most gullible fans" would believe Dwight Howard's decision to play another season with the Magic was about loyalty. Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel has the details and more quotes from Van Gundy.

Southeast Notes: Lewis, Heat, Howard

March 24th, 2012 at 5:35pm CST by Daniel Seco

Let's take a look around the Southeast Division as the Louisville Cardinals knocked off the NBA lottery pick-laden Florida Gators to punch their ticket to the Big Easy for the Final Four.

Michael Lee of The Washington Post checks in with Rashard Lewis, who is dealing with two injured knees and hasn't played since the All-Star break. He said Lewis was part of a proposed deal that would have sent him and Javale McGee to the Hornets for Chris Kaman, Trevor Ariza and Carl Landry, but the Wizards chose to make last week's three-team deal with Clippers and Nuggets instead. Lewis is making one of the highest salaries in the league at $21.1MM this season. He's guaranteed only $13.7MM next year, and while the Wizards said in December they wouldn't use the amnesty clause on him, you have to wonder whether they'll rethink that decision.
Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel finds it interesting the Bulls are letting point guard Mike James dangle until April when the Heat could use a veteran at his position (Twitter link).
While Dwight Howard's status with the Magic has become a bit clearer for the immediate future, Brian Schmitz considers what the long term holds for the Orlando big man heading into next season.

Odds & Ends: Draft, Bynum, Howard, Wizards, Heat

March 20th, 2012 at 5:34pm CST by Luke Adams

The 2012 NBA Draft is still more than three months away, but draft junkies will be happy to know ESPN.com's Chad Ford, NBA.com's Scott Howard-Cooper and Fox Sports Ohio's Sam Amico have released their first mock drafts of the year. Ford's Insider-only piece has Anthony Davis going first overall, followed by Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Thomas Robinson, Bradley Beal, and Harrison Barnes. Howard-Cooper has Barnes, Andre Drummond, Kidd-Gilchrist, and Jared Sullinger rounding out the top five after Davis. Amico has it as Davis, Barnes, Robinson, Kidd-Gilchrist and then Drummond.

Here are a few more Tuesday afternoon links from around the NBA:

In another draft-related item, South Florida small forward Victor Rudd has declared for the draft, according to Jeff Borzello of CBS Sports. The 6'7" junior, who isn't on the draft board of Ford, Howard-Cooper or NBADraft.net, has said he won't hire an agent yet, leaving open the possibility he'll return to school.
The Lakers plan to exercise their team option on Andrew Bynum for next season, but Bynum wouldn't mind a longer-term commitment. The center told Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com that he'd be amenable to discussing a contract extension.
If Dwight Howard didn't opt in to the final year of his contract, the Magic were prepared to trade him to the Nets for Brook Lopez, MarShon Brooks, Mehmet Okur's expiring contract, and first-round picks, according to Peter Vecsey of the New York Post.
The Wizards are looking forward to taking an extended look at Edwin Ubiles, who signed a 10-day contract with the team this weekend, writes Michael Lee of the Washington Post. In a separate column, Lee says the Wizards have shut down Andray Blatche until he works his way into better condition. SI.com's Zach Lowe would be surprised if Washington doesn't amnesty Blatche before next season (Twitter link).
Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel thinks Mike James or Anthony Carter would be better fits for the Heat than Derek Fisher.

Chuck Myron contributed to this post.

Magic Notes: Howard, Agent, Deadline

March 16th, 2012 at 9:37pm CST by Chuck Myron

It would seem the schedule makers were plugged into the rumor mill when they set up tonight's Magic-Nets game in Orlando for a day after the trade deadline. The Nets were leading candidates to engage in a Dwight Howard deal with the Magic, but instead had to wonder what might have been as they watched D12 put up a relatively tame 18-point, six-rebound effort in an 86-70 Orlando win. Here's what's happening in the Magic Kingdom a day after a most anticipated trade deadline:

The kinship between Howard and Deron Williams was not compelling enough to draw the big man away from his video game in time for dinner with the Nets point guard, reports Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, via Twitter. Colin Stephenson of the Newark Star Ledger points out that the two did exchange texts. (Twitter link)
Howard confirmed what manager Kevin Samples said yesterday, and is not firing agent Dan Fegan, Bondy also tweeted. There was speculation that Fegan was influencing Howard not to opt in to the final year of the deal, since Fegan, who didn't negotiate Howard's existing contract, wouldn't get a cut. (Twitter links)
Orlando fans were forgiving of Howard for his indecisiveness, giving him a "booming ovation" at the start of tonight's game, according to Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel.
The Magic top Washington Post writer Michael Lee's list of deadline winners for the deal they didn't make, with the Nets as the top loser.

Dwight Howard Waives Early Termination Option

March 15th, 2012 at 11:25am CST by Luke Adams

True to his word, Dwight Howard has waived his early termination option, locking him into his contract for next season, manager Kevin Samples tells Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel (Twitter link). Chris Broussard of ESPN.com received a text from Howard himself confirming the news (Twitter link).

SI.com's Sam Amick (all Twitter links) says the league has agreed to execute the paperwork without the verification letter from agent Dan Fegan that would usually be required. The Magic have announced, via press release, that they'll hold a press conference at 1:00pm local time.

Zach Lowe of SI.com examines the ripple effect that Howard's official opt-in will cause across the league.

Dwight Howard Rumors: Thursday

March 15th, 2012 at 10:29am CST by Luke Adams

If you haven't been able to keep up with the twists and turns of the Dwight Howard saga, you're not alone. An eventful Wednesday ended with Howard telling Jarrod Rudolph of RealGM.com that he will sign an ETO waiver this morning and remain in Orlando for another season. Howard was apologetic about the "circus" he's caused, and cited "bad advice" he'd received from advisors as one reason for his indecision.

Nothing's official until Howard puts pen to paper though, so until we get definitive pre-deadline resolution on D12's future, we'll track today's updates right here, with the newest items up top:

There may still be skepticism about Howard's intentions, but the Nets, at least, are convinced he'll waive his ETO. According to Ric Bucher of ESPN.com (via Twitter), New Jersey is turning the page, and will move on to other deals.
Sources tell SI.com's Sam Amick that Howard's representatives had been pushing the superstar to hit free agency, which was a source of frustration for the Magic. Howard would "routinely express a willingness" to stay with Orlando, only to reverse course after meeting with his agency, says Amick.
Howard is expected to sign his ETO waiver at around 12:30 Eastern, says Rudolph (via Twitter).
Following Howard's latest reversal, the Magic told Dwight to sleep on his decision before signing anything today, reports ESPN.com's Chris Broussard.
It's highly unlikely that Howard waffles again, says Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld. In the event that does happen, the Magic seem to have a trade they'd do with the Nets, Kyler adds.
Howard is "definitely not firing" agent Dan Fegan, D12's manager Kevin Samples tells Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel (Twitter link). As long as Fegan is representing Howard, he'll need to sign the ETO paperwork as well.
Magic officials aren't expected to suspend trade talks involving Howard until they receive the signed ETO paperwork, says Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. However, Wojnarowski says (via Twitter) the Nets are working on separate trade scenarios to bring in help around Deron Williams, in case Howard does remain in Orlando.
A league source tells J.A. Adande of ESPN.com that missing the playoffs would cost Howard significant bonuses in his Adidas contract. Adande wonders if the threat of being traded to the 15-29 Nets and potentially losing those bonuses contributed to Howard's change of heart.

Rockets Rumors: Howard, Lowry, Martin, Dragic

March 15th, 2012 at 1:34am CST by Luke Adams

Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle shares a few pre-deadline updates on the Rockets in his latest column. Let's check out the highlights:

The Rockets have been aggressive about trying to engage Orlando in Dwight Howard talks, but the Magic aren't very interested in Houston's assets.
One front office executive believes Houston will end up offering Kyle Lowry for Pau Gasol before Thursday's deadline, though the Rockets continue to insist that won't happen.
The Rockets still hope to either make it work with Kevin Martin, or pursue a deal down the road when Martin's value is a little higher than it is now.
Houston "went hard" after Andrew Bogut before the big man was traded to Golden State.
Terrence Williams likely could be had for a second-round draft pick.
Feigen considers Goran Dragic the Rocket most likely to be moved in a deal like last year's Aaron Brooks and Shane Battier trades.