The NBA free agency is still two months away but there are already projections on which players will change addresses.
Most of the top stars will likely remain where they are as the NBA's collective bargaining agreement had provisions to give them an advantage. However, some player-team relationships are beyond repair and no amount of money could reverse the situation.
Dwight Howard is the most likely to leave his team. He has a player option that the Houston Rockets are actually hoping he would take as it would create a very awkward situation when he returns after arguing with his GM as he narrated on ESPN.
Howard narrated: "I felt like my role was being reduced. I went to [Rockets general manager] Daryl [Morey] and said, 'I want to be more involved.' Daryl said, 'No, we don't want you to be.' My response was, 'Why not? Why am I here?' It was shocking to me that it came from him instead of our coach. So I said to him, 'No disrespect to what you do, but you've never played the game. I've been in this game a long time. I know what it takes to be effective.''
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year won't go far as the most recent predictions have him coming to in-state arch rival Dallas Mavericks. Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report made the prediction.
"Consider this a bet he stays in Texas but joins the Dallas Mavericks, who could free up money when Dirk Nowitzki tweaks his deal. Plus, the Mavs always pursues the biggest names," Hughes declared.
Granted, he is a big name but probably not a prime talent anymore, but if Howard is in any way rejuvenated by this move even at age 30, the gamble pays out (depending on how much they actually pay him).
The Mavericks have stability at the coaching position and unlike his previous destinations, the Mavs will not fire Rick Carlisle for him. The calming, consistent presence of Dirk Nowizki as opposed to James Harden can also provide a contrast to his tumultuous Rockets tenure.
Also, it is assumed that Chandler Parsons would have elected to stay in Dallas if Howard chooses that team. The two players are open with their intention to play with each other again-that would also be a positive point for D12.
He probably won't be an All-Star again(considering the wealth of big men in the West) but he would fulfill his purpose of defense and rebounding. That alone would be a win for Dallas.