Dwight Howard (Photo : Facebook/DwightHoward)
After the trade deadline featured him as the biggest name likely to move, Dwight Howard stayed in Houston and has fired his agent Dan Fegan.
This was confirmed in his statement that was shared via USA Today reporter Sam Amick's Twitter.
"As I continue to embark on my NBA journey, I have decided to sever my relationship with Dan Fegan and Relativity Sports. I have the utmost respect for Dan, but this is the right decision for me. My sole focus remains working with my teammates to position the Rockets for a pursuit of a championship. I wish Dan and the team at Relativity all the best in the future."
The reason for the decision was never stated, and thus, speculations have started. It was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:
"The Rockets are working with Howard's agent, Dan Fegan, on possible destinations, league executives told The Vertical."
Fegan vehemently denied this but eventually, there were trade talks at the deadline and the agent did confirm that there were several teams interested in Dwight Howard but the only problem was the former Defensive Player of the Year would not commit to opting in on the last year of his contract-a condition most of the Rockets' trade partners required.
It should also be noted that Fegan was fired by his other client, DeAndre Jordan, after the latter chose to re-sign with the Clippers and renege on his verbal commitment to the Dallas Mavericks last summer. ESPN also reported that John Wall fired Fegan last month.
Was Fegan the reason behind the alleged trade demands even if Dwight really wanted to stay? Or was it the other way around and Dwight was the one who wanted out? There are different ways to interpret this. Was Fegan fired because he failed to work a trade, or because he initiated trade talks?
Fegan still has high profile players among his clients including DeMarcus Cousins, Ricky Rubio, Kevin Martin and Courtney Lee. There are rumors that Fegan has strong ties with the Dallas Mavericks and it is alleged that he has been trying to bring his clients there (note DeAndre Jordan).
It should be noted that the Mavericks were one of Howard's most ardent suitors in 2013. They could pursue him again this summer but sacking Fegan may have jeopardized that.
