After trying to trade him at the deadline, it would not be a surprise if the Houston Rockets let Dwight Howard walk.
In NBA Free Agency, team General Managers need to be decisive as there are 29 other teams competing for limited players. Surprisingly, Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey did not give a firm answer when it came to his starting center.
According to Sports Illustrated, Morey dodged a question pertaining to Howard, as quoted.
"During the front office panel, ESPN's Jackie MacMullan, who was moderating, asked Morey about re-signing Dwight Howard. Morey immediately replied: 'Uh oh.' MacMullan pressed the Rockets GM on negotiations. He responded that the NBA's max salary threshold keeps things simple. MacMullan asked, So you're re-signing him? To which Morey responded: 'I just said they had the concept.'"
Morey did not even give the usual press release answer of "Dwight Howard is an essential part of the team's future" or something to that effect. His response was vague to say the least, and NBC was quick to analyze.
"Howard is going to want a max salary, which will likely start in the $30 million range (depending on the final salary cap number)," said NBC's Kurt Helin. "If your first reaction is 'I wouldn't give him that much' you're not alone, there are plenty of people in NBA front offices who will say the same thing. But it only takes one to say yes - one who likely struck out on other high-profile targets. Howard will get paid."
Howard is the decisive one, he has decided to opt out and declare for free agency. According to various reports, his insistence on opting out turned off trade partners at the deadline.
A trade would have given the Houston Rockets some return for Howard and his refusal to cooperate may have turned off Morey. As NBC noted, Howard has burned his bridges in every stop-with the Orlando Magic and the LA Lakers.
The Rockets are trying to mount a playoff push in the next month and Howard would be expected to play well, but his motivation may be more about free agency than bringing his team to the playoffs.
Helin still thinks Morey would still try to keep him as he is the type of GM who hates losing something for nothing. "We'll see what kind of offer Morey makes this summer. But he doesn't sound enthusiastic."
Morey's offer would be easy to beat. Any team offering near the max could probably get Howard, but the question is whether they would regret it.