http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9328547/houston-rockets-hopeful-land-dwight-howard-sources-say Free agency in the NBA is exactly one month away, but the Houston Rockets' bid to steal Dwight Howard away from the Los Angeles Lakers is already gathering some momentum. Sources close to the process told ESPN.com that the Rockets have received what has been described as "hopeful signals" that Howard is seriously considering a jump from the Lakers to the Rockets after becoming a free agent July 1. Although the Rockets are well aware that Howard has a penchant for changing his mind, sources say that Howard has conveyed his rising interest to Houston star swingman James Harden, his forrmer teammate with USA Basketball. Sources say Howard, furthermore, has already made it clear he'll field in-person recruiting visits from the Rockets and Dallas Mavericks once free agency begins. It's possible, sources said, that other teams will be added to the list. ... Several rival executives, meanwhile, told ESPN.com that Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has likewise left the impression in recent days that Houston believes it has a legitimate shot at luring Howard away from the Lakers. ESPN.com reported in April that the Rockets were planning to trade away 2012's No. 5 overall pick Thomas Robinson to a team with salary-cap space to create the requisite room to offer a max contract to Howard. In the past week, sources said, Morey pitched Robinson's availability to numerous teams, leaving the feeling that the Rockets think they have a legitimate shot in the Howard Sweepstakes. Although only the Lakers can offer a five-year deal to Howard worth nearly $120 million -- with leading external suitors Houston and Dallas limited to four-year offers worth just under $90 million -- L.A.'s financial advantage in trying to retain to Howard is not as robust as it seems. Not only does the absence of state taxes in Texas narrow the gap, but the strong likelihood that Howard, at 27, would opt out of a new deal to return to free agency before the fifth year lessens the Lakers' edge further. The Rockets, though, are trying to keep their optimism in check, knowing that Howard has a history of calling audibles and, as one longtime Howard-watcher put it, "making everyone feel good about their chances." ...
A summary article. Zero new information whatsoever, which is to be expected - I guess we'll all have to sit easy until at least draft night then. :/
Thank you J.R. You are always bringing the latest news. Nice to know Harden and Parsons "got along with Dwight" Game on!
A young team fits Dwights personality much better than an older Laker team led by all work no play Kobe Bryant.
Eh, the "hopeful signals" to the Rockets part is pretty new. Not many, if any, credible reporters have reported that over the past month.
Get the Ipad ready. side note: mr 13 in 33...has anyone else said that your signature is way too long?
Don't get your hopes up, I can see this things turning out completely different than what everybody expects or he simply goes back to LA.
Dallas has no roster that can interest Howard to play with and they're old. I think he will rather stay in L.A than go with Dallas, he will at least he can get a max deal there in L.A.
