Spaghetti and meatballs. Peanut butter and jelly. Dwight Howard and trade rumors.
Howard has been the subject of trade speculation several times throughout his 12-year career — he was traded once in August 2012 — and this season is no different as the Feb. 18 NBA trade deadline nears.
Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported Thursday that, according to league sources, the Houston Rockets have started contacting teams about trading Howard. League executives told The Vertical that the Rockets are working with Howard’s agent, Dan Fegan, on possible destinations.
Howard signed a four-year, $88 million contract with Houston before the 2013-14 season, but the eight-time All-Star reportedly plans to exercise an opt-out clause in his deal this summer to become an unrestricted free agent. Uncertainty from both sides has pushed Rockets general manager Daryl Morey toward seeking potential trades, league sources told Wojnarowski.
Howard, the first overall pick in 2004, spent his first eight seasons with the Orlando Magic before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers prior to the 2012-13 season. He spent only one season with Los Angeles before signing with Houston, where he’s spent the last two-plus seasons, averaging 16.6 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.
Howard is averaging 14.6 points and 12 rebounds per game in 44 contests this season. The 30-year-old center is believed to be seeking a maximum contract extension in July, according to Wojnarowski.
Thumbnail photo via Jennifer Stewart/USA TODAY Sports Images
