Dwight Howard may have left the Rockets on less-than-stellar terms (much like the Lakers and the Magic), but he’s still one of the best defensive centers in the game, and at 30 years old has considerable value. That’s why he opted out of the final year and $23 million of his contract in Houston, and it’s why according to ESPN he has free agent meetings lined up with two savvy organizations: The Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics.
Though both teams are gunning for Kevin Durant above all else (and why wouldn’t they be?), Howard adds a level of rim protection and shot blocking neither team currently has, and his offensive deficiencies could be mitigated by Mike Budenholzer and Brad Stevens, two of the smartest schemers in the league.
What still is very much an open question is what kind of contract Howard will command. $23 million is a whole lot for a center with no shooting range and free throw shooting hideous enough to warrant intentional fouls, but perhaps he’d accept less per year in exchange for a longer contract with more security. After all, he’s had multiple serious knee and back injuries the past three years, and at 6’11, his frame is under constant stress. ESPN reports that the Hawks and Celtics are among five teams who will be pitching Howard, so perhaps a bidding war could bring Dwight his desired outcome.
(Via ESPN)
