NBA Rumors: Dwight Howard Leaning Towards Houston Or Dallas
By Mike Dyce
Dwight Howard reportedly isn’t interested in resigning with the Los Angeles Lakers according to ESPN’s Chris Broussard. He cites his issue with Mike D’Antoni’s system which isn’t suited for him.
Sources: Dwight Howard unlikely to re-sign with the Lakers. Dallas and Houston the favorites. Main issue w/Lakers is Mike D'Antoni's system
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) June 27, 2013
If Dwight Howard is indeed headed out of Los Angeles, he will command a large amount of interest from around the league. After whiffing on Deron Williams last summer it is no secret that the Dallas Mavericks have been clinging to cap space to make a run at Dwight Howard this summer. The Houston Rockets are another team that has held onto cap space to make a run at the big man and arguably the NBA’s best center.
Dwight Howard is interested in the Texas teams as well according to Chris Broussard.
"“Howard plans to meet with Dallas, Houston and Atlanta before meeting with the Lakers once teams are allowed to contact free agents beginning July 1, a source said. It appears that the teams will visit Howard in Los Angeles.”"
And he says Dallas might be the front runners:
"“While many believe Houston is the Lakers’ stiffest competition, sources say Howard finds Dallas just as appealing, if not more. Assuming the Mavericks are able to clear enough cap space to offer him a maximum-salaried contract, Howard is strongly considering joining Dallas. The Mavericks are trying to shed Shawn Marion‘s $9 million expiring contract to create the room to sign Howard, according to sources.”“Howard likes the idea of being the top superstar of a franchise and with Dirk Nowitzki aging, Dallas would be viewed as Howard’s team. Howard also believes the Mavericks can build a championship roster around him with the ample cap space they will have in the summer of 2014.”"
He has similar issues with Houston’s style of play:
"“Some close to Howard believe signing with Houston is his best option. Howard has been in contact with Rockets players James Harden and Chandler Parsons, both of whom are heavily recruiting him.”“Howard, however, has concerns about the Rockets’ style of play, sources say. While he likes the idea of playing for coach Kevin McHale, he sees that they play an up-tempo, perimeter-oriented style that does not feature post play.”"
But don’t count the Lakers out yet.
"Hearing strong that Lakers have little chance. Can’t write them off completely, tho, because of D12’s notorious indecisiveness.— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) June 27, 2013"
His indecisiveness makes it hard to predict where he goes.