Although Dwight Howard handled his free agency well last year, ultimately deciding to sign with the Houston Rockets, a decision most believed was a good one, “the Dwightmare” is still fresh in the minds of many.
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During Howard’s final season with the Orlando Magic, he asked for a trade to the Brooklyn Nets and planned to use his Early Termination Option to become a free agent. Instead, the Magic convinced Howard to waive his ETO and they traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers in the offseason.
Howard seems happy and content so far in Houston. However, Bill Ingram of Basketball Insiders wonders if Howard could ask for a trade if the Rockets are once again taken out in the first round of the playoffs.
"I can see you’ve been reading my Rockets stuff for quite some time. You have exactly identified the biggest problem with Houston. There’s a reason guys visit Houston and then go sign somewhere else. Part is management, part is coaching, and part is the fact that Harden shoots entirely too much and it might be hard to get him to share the ball. I am concerned about the clock running on Dwight’s time in Houston. First round exit. No improvements. First round exit in year two. Isn’t he asking for a trade next summer?"
Howard has not advanced out of the first round since the Orlando Magic reached the 2010 Eastern Conference Finals, a series they lost to the Boston Celtics in six games.
Howard put up 18.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.8 assists and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 59.1% from the field and 54.7% from the free throw line last season.