The NBA trade rumors continue develop just days before the deadline, and Dwight Howard may become the biggest name on the move.
While there were already previous declarations that the Houston Rockets will not trade their prized center, there are new reports from Yahoo that state the contrary.
Prime scribe Adrian Wojnarowski said Howard "plans to exercise an opt-out in his contract this summer to become an unrestricted free agent." With this declaration there is now some uncertainty with regards to his future in the Space City.
The Rockets have the upper hand over other teams as they can offer Howard the highest amount with a contract extending up to five years. However, it seems like the Rockets themselves are unsure that they would like to sign the three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Wojnarowski also mentioned that "the Rockets are working with Howard's agent, Dan Fegan, on possible destinations" according to league executives.
It is a very clear indication that the two sides are headed in different directions and Houston now has other pursuits for their team while Howard wants nothing less than the max, especially since he knows that the there are plenty of teams with cap space.
In light of this development, Howard's agent Dan Fegan has told ESPN that he has not asked for a deal. Fegan, in a statement to ESPN on Thursday, said: "I'm not privy to what the Rockets are doing or not doing with respect to Dwight Howard. What I can say, with 100 percent certainty, is that Dwight has not and has never asked the Rockets for a trade. And neither have I."
Dwight Howard himself was also quoted: "Dan's statement is true. I have not asked the Rockets to trade me, nor have I talked about right trades. I want to win. I want this situation to work. I chose this team. And I'm not running because we have been faced with some adversity."
There have been denials about trades before and there is no reason to discount the statements from Fegan and Howard. The rumors about Howard's trade have been swirling and there were already some inquiries (with the Celtics) confirmed.
Suffice to say, the Dwight Howard situation is something worth monitoring the next few days.