Fansided

Here’s why Dwight Howard wasn’t traded at the deadline

By Josh Hill

December 17, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) during a stoppage in play against Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 17, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) during a stoppage in play against Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Houston Rockets had several Dwight Howard trades ready to go before the deadline.

One of the hardest truths for some to swallow at the trade deadline was that Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard was not going to get traded. Even though big contract almost never move at the deadline, Howard’s situation had all the uncanny an unusual makings of a rare midseason blockbuster deal — and it almost happened.

While no one wanted to give any sort of credit to the idea that Howard, his massive deal or his insane trade kicker would actually get moved, several teams were ready to deal for him. The only hangup was Howard agreeing beforehand to opt-in for the 2016-17 season with whoever acquired him. These teams ranged from the Bucks to the Hawks and even the Bulls.

According to Mark Stein from ESPN.com, the Rockets had trades all worked out with multiple teams but nothing came of it thanks to Howard’s refusal to opt-in for the 2016-17 season.

"“Not surprisingly, as the deadline approached, several teams called stating they had worked out the trade parameters with Houston for a Dwight deal but were not prepared to give up their assets unless Dwight agreed to opt into the last year of his contract and forego free agency. Dwight declined.”"

This is not shocking at all. the salary cap is set to skyrocket, which means that teams can not only afford to pay for Howard without having to give up assets, but it means that Howard might be able to get more on the open market. Of course, you could argue that if he opted-in for 2016-17 he might set himself up for an even bigger summer in 2017.

But Howard knows what we all have known for a few years now — he’s not a franchise player anymore. He wants to hit the market this summer and get the last max contract he will ever get. That’s the hard truth of the matter, and everyone knows that. Howard has been in the NBA since he was a teenager, and the milage on his knees will catch up with him in a bad way soon — and he wants to get paid one last time before that happens.

Home/Houston Rockets