Sources: Dwight Howard declines option, enters free agency

YAHOO SPORTS

Shams Charania of The Vertical

Houston Rockets star Dwight Howard has declined his $23.2 million player option for the 2016-17 season and will enter free agency, league sources told The Vertical.

Dwight Howard averaged 13.7 points and 11.8 rebounds last season. (Getty Images)

Dwight Howard averaged 13.7 points and 11.8 rebounds last season. (Getty Images)
Howard had stated publicly that no decision was made on his player option, but the eight-time NBA All-Star informed Houston of his choice on Tuesday, sources said.

Howard is coming off season averages of 13.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 71 games for the Rockets. Howard promises to anchor a significant market in free agency as a 6-foot-11 center who remains a high-level defensive player.

The Rockets had a 41-41 record for the eighth seed in the Western Conference before being eliminated in the first round against Golden State.

Howard, 30, has worked diligently this summer coming off his 12th NBA season. He has worked with renowned trainer Mike Clark in Atlanta, regaining the strength after a strenuous season.

This summer's free-agent market will include resourceful big men in Howard, Miami's Hassan Whiteside, Chicago's Joakim Noah, Toronto's Bismack Biyombo, Cleveland's Timofey Mozgov and Charlotte's Al Jefferson. Howard's résumé in the NBA includes: five All-NBA first team appearances, three Defensive Player of the Year awards and a trip to the Finals in 2009.

Howard has averaged 17.8 points and 12.5 rebounds in his pro career with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Rockets. His tenure with Orlando included deep postseason appearances and individual success, with four 20-plus point, 10-plus rebound averaging seasons between 2007-12.

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I cannot believe Howard is opting out because he thinks he can make more than $23.2M.  He's almost 31 years old, he's on the back 9.

He is saying he'd consider coming back to Houston, if he feels like he can fit with Mike D'Antoni.  I think that is BS.  I think he just wants out of that madhouse.  He went to Houston because they had Harden and Chandler (a personal friend who recruited him) and McHale.  Chandler's gone, McHale's gone in a total bloodletting and Harden is a No-D ball hog.  They barely made the playoffs this year.

I've only got one more thing to say in addition to all this...NO DANNY, NO!!!


bob


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Yes, Bob--please no Howard in Boston

wideclyde wrote:Yes, Bob--please no Howard in Boston

I'm with u fellers... no! No! And oh lordy gawd almighty No!!