Dwight Howard might be denying his unhappiness with the Houston Rockets, but that is not going to save him from the churning NBA rumor mill. Howard has not had it easy over the past few days as he faces trade rumors following reports that he was unhappy with his role on the Houston Rockets while James Harden takes the spotlight. Despite denying the idea, Howard's contract makes many believe he is not long to depart the franchise.
After Michael Scotto of SheridanHoops.com reported that Howard was seeking a trade from the Houston Rockets while being unhappy with the team, Howard dismissed the idea via the Houston Chronicle. "I haven't said anything to anybody about anything. People make up lies and rumors. That's never been my focus. I'm trying to get these guys to play better and get myself to play better. People are going to say what they got to say to get a story out. People are always going to come up with some rumor and lies. That's what it is."
However, that statement will not make the talks go away that easily. Howard has the ability to opt out of the final year of his contract worth over $23 million. According to Sam Amick of USA TODAY, sources believe that the center will in fact opt out of his deal and become a free agent having the ability to sign anywhere. This could be because he wants to capitalize on the increasing salary caps next offseason or because he has a desire to leave Houston. The center could earn a max contract over $170 million over five years by returning to Houston while he can only get four years and $128 million elsewhere.
Considering Howard is on the wrong side of 30 with an extensive injury history, it is unclear what they plan on doing with Howard since the expectation is he will demand a max deal. They did not bite on Chandler Parsons. If general manager Daryl Morey has no plans on offering Howard the deal it will take to retain him, trading him could actually become a priority for the team in order for Houston to get something in return. Right now, the Rockets are still very much in contention in the Western Conference. Can they stay that way if Howard is gone?
For the short-term, head coach JB Bickerstaff is making it clear that Howard is not unhappy and his relationship with the team is just fine. With a 12-14 record, it is understandable that players would be upset, but Bickerstaff does not believe things are an issue for Howard right now.
"Since I've taken over (for fired coach Kevin McHale 11 games into the season), I've tried to spend a lot of time with Dwight," Bickerstaff said, via USA TODAY Sports. "And Dwight's mind, his heart, are in the right place. He's about the right things. Dwight wants to win. He wants to play the right way. He wants to contribute to winning, obviously at a high level. So for me, that's all I can go on. I trust Dwight."
