Howard reportedly expected to opt out of deal with Rockets
Dwight Howard's time in Houston might be coming to an end sooner than originally expected.
The Houston Rockets' big man is expected to exercise his opt-out clause despite Howard's having a player option next season worth $23.2 million, USA Today reported Wednesday.
Howard attempted to shoot down the report.
"I chose to go to Houston [via free agency in the summer of 2013], so why would I just say, 'I'm not happy' and leave?" Howard, who is widely expected to become a free agent again this summer, told USA Today. "I chose this place, you know what I'm saying? And I want to make this thing work here. Obviously we haven't been playing great basketball, and personally for myself my numbers don't seem like I've been playing great, but the only thing on my mind is trying to grow as a man and grow as a teammate and a leader. All the BS that's around, sometimes it is frustrating to hear it, because I know who I am as a man and I know what I'm trying to do for this city."
Howard on Tuesday disputed a report that he was unhappy playing alongside All-Star guard James Harden.
The Rockets are off to a disappointing start, falling to 12-14 after losing to the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. Houston's slow start cost Kevin McHale his job. The coach was fired 11 games into the season despite guiding the Rockets to the Western Conference finals last season.
Howard, who signed a four-year deal worth $88 million in 2013, is averaging just 12.6 points this season on 8.3 field-goal attempts a game, his lowest averages in those categories since his rookie season. Howard's shots-per-game average is fifth on the team, trailing Harden (20.2), Trevor Ariza (10.5), Marcus Thornton (10.0) and Terrence Jones (8.4).
If Howard does opt out, it might have more to do with financial sense than team discord. The league's salary cap is expected to balloon from $67 million this season to $89 million next season thanks to the new television deal. Howard, 30, might be looking for one last major payday before the end of his career.
