Jeremy Lin and Dwight Howard (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Dwight Howard could be heading to the Charlotte Hornets and join former teammate Houston Rockets teammate Jeremy Lin.
With the Rockets officially out of the playoff picture, the team now heads to this summer's free agency, where they attempt to bolster their roster. But while the focus is to add other talents around James Harden, the Rockets may find themselves losing one of their own stars once the summer market opens.
According to ESPN's Calvin Watkins, teams like the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers and Hornets are among the favorites to sign Howard, who is expected to opt out of his four-year $87.5 million contract with the Rockets.
"Howard is not expected to have a role. It's expected that he will become a free agent and seek a new team. Orlando, Milwaukee, Portland and Charlotte are the favorites," Watkins wrote.
It is undetermined yet whether the aforementioned teams have a genuine interest in acquiring the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, although Howard has already been linked to those teams even before the Feb. 1 8 trade deadline.
But one intriguing option for Howard to consider is the Hornets, where he would have a chance to play alongside Lin, who is fond of playing alongside the 30-year-old center during their stint together in Houston.
Howard and Lin played for the Rockets for back in the 2013-2014 season, when the former just arrived in Houston. But despite their short time working together, it seems both players have immediately created a bond with each other based on Lin's statement when he joined the Los Angeles Lakers the following season.
"People might not like me for saying it, but Dwight was tremendous to me, very nice to me, great heart, very generous," Lin said of Howard.
Lin is also expected to decline his player option with the Hornets to explore more lucrative deals in July. But there is a growing sense the Hornets would to retain their backup point guard, who has been essential to the team's playoff series against the Miami Heat.
Howard and Lin should instantly create connection on the court if both players get to team-up at the Buzz City. According to John Buhler of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, Hornets would be the "most probable" landing spot for Howard "as he would play for a defense-first coach in Steve Clifford and his top assistant with the Hornets would be none other than Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing."
Howard's performance has regressed a bit during the past few seasons playing for the Rockets. But even at his age, he is still considered as one of the best centers in the league, and a new scene seems to make a sense that the 11-year veteran could be rejuvenated.
