Houston Rockets Trade Rumors 2016: Team Begins Exploring Trade Options for Dwight Howard
The Houston Rockets may have finally pushed the panic button by initiating trade talks with other teams concerning All-Star center Dwight Howard, with the trade deadline only a few days away. Reports are claiming that the team front office is working closely with Howard's agent, Dan Fegan, in making a good deal that will benefit the parties involved.
While most people are utterly confused as to why the Rockets would trade someone like Howard, especially with the fact that the team almost made it to the NBA Finals last season with him and James Harden leading. Well, by looking at the current contract status of the eight-time All-Star, it actually makes a lot of sense.
Howard will hit free agency by the summer by way of the opt-out clause he is entitled to in his contract, the purpose of which is for him to explore other offers in the hope of landing a maximum contract.
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The Rockets for their part aren't going to give him what he wants — which is a maximum contract. And if they fail to trade him before the Feb. 18 deadline, there is a strong possibility that they won't get anything of value in return once the center decides to become a free agent.
While he's been averaging decent numbers of 14.6 points and 12.0 rebounds per game this season, the Rockets are obviously looking for more. He has spent three years with the Rockets, but the team that had championship aspirations when they got him hasn't made it to the NBA Finals.
Now the question is which team out there is interested in trading for him? He has a reputation of being easily dissuaded when his team is struggling, plus the fact that he had dealt with several injuries in the past, causing him to miss games.
Houston is currently struggling midway into the season with a 27-28 record, and the team might be desperate enough to look into another direction without Howard. There are only four days left before the trade deadline so Rockets fans might be in for a huge surprise sooner than later.
