Dwight Howard Rumors: Rockets Star Reportedly Expected to Leave in Free Agency

In one of the least surprising developments this NBA season, Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard is reportedly expected to opt out of his contract and leave via free agency this summer. 

Per ESPN.com’s Calvin Watkins, the list of favorites to sign Howard include the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets.   

Rumors of Howard opting out of the final year of his contract have been prominent since USA Today’s Sam Amick reported last December that was the former All-Star’s intention. He quoted Howard in the piece as saying he wants “to make this thing work here” in Houston. 

Diving deeper into Watkins’ report, Howard’s standing with the Rockets throughout this season has been a never-ending problem:

There is a perception that several players are not happy with Howard based on a February team meeting, after which one person close to the Rockets said, “If you want the ball, you need to speak up about it. He lost players’ respect.”

One player …

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