Could there be an unexpected twist in NBA free agency as the player most likely to switch teams might actually stay put?
Dwight Howard was on top of most lists when it came to free agents most likely to leave. It's not just a matter of his team not willing to pay him what he wants, he has already burned bridges with Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey in a tell-all interview.
Now, according to Howard Beck of Bleacher Report, Morey and new coach Mike D'Antoni are ready to take him back.
"He [coach Mike D'Antoni] would welcome him [Howard] back. We would welcome him back," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey told Beck.
Mike D'Antoni was Dwight Howard's coach when he was with the LA Lakers in 2012 -2013 in that ill-fated trade. It was one of the most disappointing seasons in Lakers history as they were touted as clear title favorites with a roster that included Steve Nash, Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant.
With two low-post players as starters, D'Antoni could not apply his fast-paced "Seven Seconds or Less" offense and there was hardly any team chemistry. Howard left the Lakers and signed with Houston in free agency. It seems unlikely that both parties (Howard and D'Antoni) would want to team up again.
With D12 having a player option from the Rockets, Howard openly declared that he would opt out of his contract and demand a max contract. The Houston Rockets were in a frenzy to trade him with candidates like the Charlotte Hornets and Milawukee Bucks. However, Howard's refusal to opt in for the 2016-17 season was a deal breaker for the other teams.
The Dallas Mavericks were one of Howard's most ardent suitors in the 2013 free agency and is still considered as a great fit for the team now. Most pundits predicted that Howard would end up with the Rockets' in-state rivals.
However, according to a report from Matt Mosley of Sports Day Dallas, Mavs franchise player Dirk Nowitzki does not want to team up with Howard.
"Dirk doesn't want Dwight Howard coming here, by the way," Mosley declared in response to a chat question. "I think he'll make that known in his talks with Donnie and Mark. This team needs a rim protector. But Howard isn't someone you can build around at this point in his career."
With two Texas teams still uncertain on whether they want Howard or not, the Dwightmare will continue this offseason.