NBA Trade Rumors: Rockets want future first-round pick for Dwight Howard

According to a report, the Houston Rockets want a future first-round pick in any trade for center Dwight Howard.

The trade deadline in on Thursday, and there’s a growing belief that the Houston Rockets are going to move center Dwight Howard. The Rockets’ chemistry has been in shambles this season and Howard is set to be a free agent after the season, when he is expected to opt-out of his contract.

With the Rockets looking to change things up and Howard’s time in Houston appearing to be almost over, the Rockets have been reportedly engaging teams in a deal. There were talks on Thursday, of the Rockets and Hornets discussing a deal for Howard.

Howard’s salary will be hard to match and teams will have to throw big contracts back at Houston to match it, let alone moving quality pieces. ESPN’s Marc Stein is reporting that the Rockets want a future first-round pick in return for Howard.

It’s not surprising that the Rockets would want an asset in return for Howard. He offers a big expiring contract and the potential to re-sign with whatever team he is traded to. The Rockets could very well just hold onto him and try to re-sign him in free agency or take the cap space.

He’s a valuable asset and he can provide great rim protection around the hoop. While the Rockets have taken a nosedive down the standings this year, Howard has been solid for the Rockets in the interior. If a team is going to acquire him, they aren’t just going to get him for cheap.