Dwight Howard was one of the biggest names reportedly available during the trade deadline. The Rockets were rumored to be willing to part ways with him and there was interest from a few teams. Howard changing teams was looking like a real possibility.
Dwight Howard unlikely to be traded, per report
It looks like the big man will remain a Rocket, at least until the end of the season.
Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Apparently talks didn’t go very far and there’s now growing confidence in Howard’s camp that he will remain in Houston past the deadline, according to CBS Sports’ Ken Berger.
The Rockets have disappointed this year and wouldn’t be making the playoffs if the season ended today. Howard will likely opt out of his contract and become a free agent in the offseason, so it made sense to explore the market for him. It seems like the interest in the former Defensive Player of Year was not as high as Houston expected, which makes sense considering he would be a rental.
The Hornets, Raptors, Celtics and Hawks were rumored to be interested in Howard before Thursday but according to The Vertical's Chris Mannix, now his suitors are just Atlanta, which doesn't seem interested in shaking things up, and Boston, which reportedly isn't ready to part with premium assets to land Howard. Unless something changes, it looks like Howard will stay in Houston for the time being.
Howard is averaging 14 points, 12 rebounds and over a block per game.
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