Welcome! Please take a few seconds to create your free account to post threads, make some friends, remove a few ads while surfing and much more. ClutchFans has been bringing fans together to talk Houston Sports since 1996. Join us!

Dwight Howard Aware That Houston Has Become More Attractive

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by JoeBarelyCares, Feb 6, 2013.

Tags:

Page 1 of 50

JoeBarelyCares Contributing Member

Joined:

Jan 9, 2001

Messages:

6,502

Likes Received:

1,736

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/...-dwight-howard-told-los-angeles-lakers-traded

Sources: Lakers won't trade Howard
Updated: February 6, 2013, 1:19 AM ET
By Chris Broussard | ESPN The Magazine

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has told Dwight Howard he will not be traded before the Feb. 21 trade deadline, according to league sources.

Kupchak recently told Newsday the same thing, saying: "We will not trade Dwight Howard." Sources say Kupchak has told Howard several times that he has no intention of trading him.

There have been rumblings for the past month that the Lakers are considering moving Howard out of fear that he might leave as a free agent after the season. Despite their concerns, the Lakers have not directly asked Howard whether he plans to stay or go in free agency, according to sources.

Sources have told ESPNLosAngeles.com's Ramona Shelburne that the Lakers are "very confident" Howard will remain with the team this summer.

Howard has steadfastly refused to reveal his plans for this summer, and sources say he truly does not know what he will do. The sources add that he definitely will not ask to be traded.

Howard becomes a free agent July 1 but wants to live in the present, sticking to his goal of winning the first championship of his nine-year career this season, no matter how unlikely it might seem with the Los Angeles Lakers getting off to a 23-26 start more than three months into the season.

"Right now, my only focus is to get us into the playoffs and win the championship," Howard said in an interview Monday with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith. "Nothing else matters at this point."

Atlanta, Dallas and Houston will be Howard's chief suitors when he enters free agency July 1. But the Lakers can offer Howard a five-year contract worth roughly $118 million while every other team in the league can offer him only about $88 million over four years. The extra $30 million means a lot to Howard, sources said, and is definitely a major advantage for the Lakers. With the injuries he's recently suffered to his back and shoulder, Howard might be less inclined to give up the extra year of security.

"I understand, you know, what the Lakers want," Howard told Smith on Monday of his contract status. "And I also understand that right now, there's no need for all the circus and all the stuff that happened last year [with Orlando] to start back up. I don't want it, my team doesn't need it, I don't need it, and frankly, our fans don't need it neither."

Of the Lakers' three free-agent competitors, Houston appears to be the most favorable for Howard. Dallas is aging, and Howard is not keen on playing in his hometown of Atlanta. Houston, on the other hand, has star guard James Harden and is only a frontcourt star away from becoming a legitimate factor in the Western Conference.

While Howard had no interest in going to Houston last season, sources say he is aware the Rockets have become a more attractive destination since acquiring Harden.

#1 JoeBarelyCares, Feb 6, 2013

houston#1 Rookie

Joined:

Sep 2, 2009

Messages:

1,526

Likes Received:

269

JoeBarelyCares said: ↑

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/...-dwight-howard-told-los-angeles-lakers-traded

Sources: Lakers won't trade Howard
Updated: February 6, 2013, 1:19 AM ET
By Chris Broussard | ESPN The Magazine

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has told Dwight Howard he will not be traded before the Feb. 21 trade deadline, according to league sources.

Kupchak recently told Newsday the same thing, saying: "We will not trade Dwight Howard." Sources say Kupchak has told Howard several times that he has no intention of trading him.

There have been rumblings for the past month that the Lakers are considering moving Howard out of fear that he might leave as a free agent after the season. Despite their concerns, the Lakers have not directly asked Howard whether he plans to stay or go in free agency, according to sources.

Sources have told ESPNLosAngeles.com's Ramona Shelburne that the Lakers are "very confident" Howard will remain with the team this summer.

Howard has steadfastly refused to reveal his plans for this summer, and sources say he truly does not know what he will do. The sources add that he definitely will not ask to be traded.

Howard becomes a free agent July 1 but wants to live in the present, sticking to his goal of winning the first championship of his nine-year career this season, no matter how unlikely it might seem with the Los Angeles Lakers getting off to a 23-26 start more than three months into the season.

"Right now, my only focus is to get us into the playoffs and win the championship," Howard said in an interview Monday with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith. "Nothing else matters at this point."

Atlanta, Dallas and Houston will be Howard's chief suitors when he enters free agency July 1. But the Lakers can offer Howard a five-year contract worth roughly $118 million while every other team in the league can offer him only about $88 million over four years. The extra $30 million means a lot to Howard, sources said, and is definitely a major advantage for the Lakers. With the injuries he's recently suffered to his back and shoulder, Howard might be less inclined to give up the extra year of security.

"I understand, you know, what the Lakers want," Howard told Smith on Monday of his contract status. "And I also understand that right now, there's no need for all the circus and all the stuff that happened last year [with Orlando] to start back up. I don't want it, my team doesn't need it, I don't need it, and frankly, our fans don't need it neither."

Of the Lakers' three free-agent competitors, Houston appears to be the most favorable for Howard. Dallas is aging, and Howard is not keen on playing in his hometown of Atlanta. Houston, on the other hand, has star guard James Harden and is only a frontcourt star away from becoming a legitimate factor in the Western Conference.

While Howard had no interest in going to Houston last season, sources say he is aware the Rockets have become a more attractive destination since acquiring Harden.
Click to expand...

Thats interesting. To make Houston destination more appealing, Houston officials should take him around the tour when he comes here on All-Star weekend.

#2 houston#1, Feb 6, 2013
YaoMing#1 Member

Joined:

May 20, 2002

Messages:

5,482

Likes Received:

4,937

I think Dwight's coming to Houston. I have no inside info but I believe the rockets are the perfect team for him he can get 15 shots a game rebound and block shots and play with an unselfish star in harden and a global icon in Lin who has potential to be a stud himself and is as unselfish as the get. The 30 mil he loses out on here he would gain in being Lins teammate I believe if marketed right he could make big money in overseas endorsements. Plus we would be instant contenders and be the fun team that Howard likes. I just think its to good of an opportunity and the exact right place he needs to be that ultimately he will come here.

#3 YaoMing#1, Feb 6, 2013
charles_zed Member

Joined:

Jul 18, 2012

Messages:

1,218

Likes Received:

42

Don't want Dwight. That $20M can be better spent.

#4 charles_zed, Feb 6, 2013

1 person likes this.
Hippieloser Contributing Member

Joined:

Feb 25, 2003

Messages:

8,213

Likes Received:

1,973

Prepare the iPad!

#5 Hippieloser, Feb 6, 2013
psman2 Member

Joined:

Jul 12, 2002

Messages:

129

Likes Received:

121

Sign Howard then trade Asik for Ryan Anderson. Magic 2.0 new and title worthy.

#6 psman2, Feb 6, 2013
larsv8 Contributing Member

Joined:

Nov 11, 2007

Messages:

21,663

Likes Received:

13,914

charles_zed said: ↑

Don't want Dwight. That $20M can be better spent.
Click to expand...

lol on what?

#7 larsv8, Feb 6, 2013

GanjaRocket Member

Joined:

Nov 21, 2012

Messages:

3,557

Likes Received:

106

Hippieloser said: ↑

Prepare the iPad!
Click to expand...

it's 2013, these days a GMs gotta give out at least a whole suite of Apple products

#8 GanjaRocket, Feb 6, 2013
treyk3 Member

Joined:

Jun 26, 2008

Messages:

8,716

Likes Received:

16,052

I'm not getting my hopes up. I think he stays a laker in the end.

#9 treyk3, Feb 6, 2013
Liberon Rookie

Joined:

Nov 10, 2009

Messages:

8,838

Likes Received:

842

Dwight had a chronic spinal nerve pinch that has yet to be alleviated by surgery almost a year ago. I think this guys career might be coming to an end tragically.

#10 Liberon, Feb 6, 2013
Spiegel Member

Joined:

Feb 9, 2010

Messages:

5,403

Likes Received:

101

I said this a month ago, Dwights back injury wont get better. generally back injuries wont ever be the same. Tmac is a prime example.

#11 Spiegel, Feb 6, 2013
JayGoogle Member

Joined:

Nov 3, 2007

Messages:

50,216

Likes Received:

40,946

houston#1 said: ↑

Thats interesting. To make Houston destination more appealing, Houston officials should take him around the tour when he comes here on All-Star weekend.
Click to expand...

So....if Houston gets Howard (a big if IMO) does that mean that guy that guaranteed Dwight would be a Rocket gets to come back? His username slips me at the moment.

#12 JayGoogle, Feb 6, 2013
JayGoogle Member

Joined:

Nov 3, 2007

Messages:

50,216

Likes Received:

40,946

Aruba77 said: ↑

Look I was not into the dwightmare because I thought he'd bolt in free agency. That said, people must have a pretty short memory around here. Howard has one bad year, coming off of back surgery, with a new team, two different head coaches in two different systems, and all of the sudden he's trash?

Guys, Dwight is a top 3 player in this league and if you have a chance to lock him up long-term, you freaking do it. Anyone not named Harden should be made available if the Lakers decide to deal Dwight.

You people are nuts.
Click to expand...

I think the concerns about his back are pretty legit.

When it comes to NBA players, backs and knees are a big issue. If you are having problems in both areas you're career can come to a prompt ending. See Tmac for back and Roy for Knees.

#13 JayGoogle, Feb 6, 2013

Liberon Rookie

Joined:

Nov 10, 2009

Messages:

8,838

Likes Received:

842

Spiegel said: ↑

I said this a month ago, Dwights back injury wont get better. generally back injuries wont ever be the same. Tmac is a prime example.
Click to expand...

He had this surgery like 9 months ago? And he's still feeling sharp pain run up and down his spine. I think he's done. If you're smart you stay away from acquiring this guy. Laker's can sign him to a hostage contract if they want.

#14 Liberon, Feb 6, 2013
typhooonn Member

Joined:

Oct 22, 2003

Messages:

1,004

Likes Received:

22

Spiegel said: ↑

I said this a month ago, Dwights back injury wont get better. generally back injuries wont ever be the same. Tmac is a prime example.
Click to expand...

well, I said that 3 months ago, Dwight is over.

#15 typhooonn, Feb 6, 2013
IzakDavid13 Contributing Member

Joined:

Jan 2, 2011

Messages:

9,958

Likes Received:

801

JoeBarelyCares said: ↑

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/...-dwight-howard-told-los-angeles-lakers-traded

Sources: Lakers won't trade Howard
Updated: February 6, 2013, 1:19 AM ET
By Chris Broussard | ESPN The Magazine

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has told Dwight Howard he will not be traded before the Feb. 21 trade deadline, according to league sources.

Kupchak recently told Newsday the same thing, saying: "We will not trade Dwight Howard." Sources say Kupchak has told Howard several times that he has no intention of trading him.

There have been rumblings for the past month that the Lakers are considering moving Howard out of fear that he might leave as a free agent after the season. Despite their concerns, the Lakers have not directly asked Howard whether he plans to stay or go in free agency, according to sources.

Sources have told ESPNLosAngeles.com's Ramona Shelburne that the Lakers are "very confident" Howard will remain with the team this summer.

Howard has steadfastly refused to reveal his plans for this summer, and sources say he truly does not know what he will do. The sources add that he definitely will not ask to be traded.

Howard becomes a free agent July 1 but wants to live in the present, sticking to his goal of winning the first championship of his nine-year career this season, no matter how unlikely it might seem with the Los Angeles Lakers getting off to a 23-26 start more than three months into the season.

"Right now, my only focus is to get us into the playoffs and win the championship," Howard said in an interview Monday with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith. "Nothing else matters at this point."

Atlanta, Dallas and Houston will be Howard's chief suitors when he enters free agency July 1. But the Lakers can offer Howard a five-year contract worth roughly $118 million while every other team in the league can offer him only about $88 million over four years. The extra $30 million means a lot to Howard, sources said, and is definitely a major advantage for the Lakers. With the injuries he's recently suffered to his back and shoulder, Howard might be less inclined to give up the extra year of security.

"I understand, you know, what the Lakers want," Howard told Smith on Monday of his contract status. "And I also understand that right now, there's no need for all the circus and all the stuff that happened last year [with Orlando] to start back up. I don't want it, my team doesn't need it, I don't need it, and frankly, our fans don't need it neither."

Of the Lakers' three free-agent competitors, Houston appears to be the most favorable for Howard. Dallas is aging, and Howard is not keen on playing in his hometown of Atlanta. Houston, on the other hand, has star guard James Harden and is only a frontcourt star away from becoming a legitimate factor in the Western Conference.

While Howard had no interest in going to Houston last season, sources say he is aware the Rockets have become a more attractive destination since acquiring Harden.
Click to expand...

Imagine a backcourt of CP3 & Harden, with Dwight Howard up front?

Unstoppable. I'm hoping that Harden & these guys 'bond' over the All-Star break, then they make a Miami style move to Houston...Hire coach K...bring in a few bits 'n' pieces...The Next Dynasty.

Yao could even come back for 10-15 per game...just saying.

#16 IzakDavid13, Feb 6, 2013
Billionzz Contributing Member

Joined:

Oct 8, 2002

Messages:

2,554

Likes Received:

94

Spiegel said: ↑

I said this a month ago, Dwights back injury wont get better. generally back injuries wont ever be the same. Tmac is a prime example.
Click to expand...

Your right once you have a bad back it's going to be there for now on.

#17 Billionzz, Feb 6, 2013
carayip Member

Joined:

Dec 22, 2002

Messages:

2,135

Likes Received:

20

IzakDavid13 said: ↑

Imagine a backcourt of CP3 & Harden, with Dwight Howard up front?

Unstoppable. I'm hoping that Harden & these guys 'bond' over the All-Star break, then they make a Miami style move to Houston...Hire coach K...bring in a few bits 'n' pieces...The Next Dynasty.

Yao could even come back for 10-15 per game...just saying.
Click to expand...

Why not trade for Lebron and Durant and bring in Phil Jackson?

Maybe even bring Hakeem and Drexler out of retirement, just saying.

#18 carayip, Feb 6, 2013

charles_zed Member

Joined:

Jul 18, 2012

Messages:

1,218

Likes Received:

42

larsv8 said: ↑

lol on what?
Click to expand...

A potato.

We aren't winning a championship with him as a 2nd star on a $20M contract, and if we aren't winning a championship I'd at least prefer likeable players and flexibility.

Dwight wants to be the first option, he sulks and plays lackadaisically if he doesn't get his touches, and when he tries to create from the low post he's an abomination.

If he could accept being the 2nd option and accept criticism and try to legitimately work on his game than yeah, but he fits none of that criteria while being one of the biggest primadonnas I have ever seen in this league.

#19 charles_zed, Feb 6, 2013

1 person likes this.
Aruba77 Contributing Member

Joined:

Jul 7, 1999

Messages:

13,672

Likes Received:

14,746

Of the Lakers' three free-agent competitors, Houston appears to be the most favorable for Howard. Dallas is aging, and Howard is not keen on playing in his hometown of Atlanta. Houston, on the other hand, has star guard James Harden and is only a frontcourt star away from becoming a legitimate factor in the Western Conference.

While Howard had no interest in going to Houston last season, sources say he is aware the Rockets have become a more attractive destination since acquiring Harden.
Click to expand...

Holy #%^#**%}!

That last sentence in bold made me pee my pants. Maybe Drama Dwight isn't such a pipe dream after all. All the more reason for Morey to keep his powder dry, and preserve that cap-space. We ought to pick up a couple of picks too, since that would likely be the price of buying Howard's bird-rights if he does decide to leave LA.

Now more than ever, it's important for us to make the playoffs this year. That significantly limits the players we can trade for picks. That list is probably:
TD
Aldrich
Morris
Greg Smith -only if we kept Aldrich (although I'd hate to do it since he has so much upside)

None of those guys are all that critical to our success. I think Beverly could fill in nicely for TD. Morris is a glorified 3-pt shooter who can't play D to save his life. Aldrich is gone. We'd likely need to keep Smith if we were trading Aldrich.

#20 Aruba77, Feb 6, 2013

(You must log in or sign up to post here.)

Page 1 of 50

Share This Page