If we aren't counting LA and assuming Brooklyn isn't really in the picture because of salary cap reasons they probably are.
Why would a team with a past-his prime star, and just Mayo appeal to him more than teams with actual potential superstars such as Cavs and Rockets?
Nobody wants to live in Cleveland and Mayo/Dirk are good wing options. Also Cuban is a big plus if you are a player. I'd rather go play for a team run by him than the Les/Morey led Rockets if I was a player. Harden is really all we have here.
Syd I get why you think Cleveland and Houston are better because of Irving and Harden but I don't think Howard thinks like that. From a strictly personnel view I agree they are better options.
The Dallas stuff is overblown IMO. Maybe there was some intrigue when D-Will was still in question. The only remaining appeal there might be Cuban and his willingness to ignore the cap to build a contender. Cavs and Rockets have never been on Dwight's radar. He'll stay in LA before moving to Cleveland or Houston
Is he really giving up salary though? I read something that said it could be more advantageous to take the 4 year deal and be able to be eligible for another max deal 1 year earlier, when you are younger.