NBA rumors: Bulls chasing Lillard, Howard one step closer to Warriors, Celtics' Brogdon insurance
By Kyle Delaney
NBA rumors: Dwight Howard one step closer to Golden State Warriors
There might be another trick up the Warriors' sleeve before the season begins. Bleacher Report's Jason Dumas tweeted:
Source: Dwight Howard has wrapped up his two-day interview process with the Warriors. A decision could come as soon as today. The vets have signed off on the idea of bringing Dwight into the fold. He will now head to LA to workout with Draymond & CP3 on Thursday.
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) September 21, 2023
Despite winning a championship with the Lakers in 2020, Howard couldn't find a contract he was satisfied with after entering free agency in 2021-22. As a result, the former No. 1 overall pick headed to Taiwan to play for the Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 Professional Basketball League. Howard sat down with Shannon Sharpe and answered why he didn't re-sign with the Lakers. Howard said:
"They told me every time that 'we're not going to give anybody over 30 a multiyear contract. So I'm like 'dang, I just helped y'all win an NBA championship, y'all could give your boy a 'mil or two. Or give me a 'mil.' I don't want a whole bunch of minutes. Give me 20 minutes and let me ball out."
In 20 games with the Taoyuan Leopards, Howard averaged 23.2 points, 16.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Any 7-footer will add a polarizing effect to your defense. In the Warriors' case, Howard's height is absolutely needed. Howard would immediately become the tallest Warrior on the roster. He'd become the defensive backbone for Golden State and could help the Warriors match up against taller bigs like Denver's Jokic and LA's Davis.