Dwight Howard Could Draw Free-Agent Interest From a Western Conference Powerhouse
Dwight Howard has put forth nothing short of a resurgent season with the LA Lakers. Howard has proven he has plenty of gas left in the tank to be a significant factor on the floor. His play has raised the expectations toward possibly having a very fruitful market in free agency in the coming months. That alone could draw the interest from another Western Conference powerhouse.
Dwight Howard’s resurgence with the Lakers
Last offseason, Dwight Howard‘s stock dropped to the lowest it’s been in his career.
Howard was coming off a disappointing lone campaign with the Washington Wizards cut short due to injury. That led to the Wizards to trade him to the Memphis Grizzlies, where the franchise released him. An opportunity to rejoin the Lakers presented itself after DeMarcus Cousins suffered a devastating torn ACL in a pickup game over the offseason.
Howard jumped at the opportunity, which saw him willingly take a non-guaranteed deal to play with the team. The move has worked out significantly in his favor, as he has excelled in a primarily bench role with LA. Howard has brought a much-needed frontcourt presence with his play defensively while being a reliable offensive factor in the paint.
Although he’s played in a limited spot, he has more than shown his worth and importance to the Lakers’ success throughout the season, especially in the playoffs. All that could guide another prominent Western Conference team to pursue him in free agency.
Warriors could pursue Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard may no longer garner the reputation as being a top big man in the game, but his play this season with the Lakers has boosted his worth.
It should give him a strong market in free agency as he has demonstrated he can be a significant factor on the floor. According to Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area, the Golden State Warriors could enter the picture as a potential landing spot.
A few years ago, there was previous chatter about interest from the Warriors, but nothing came about from that talk as the team moved in another direction. However, Howard could be a highly viable option, especially if he’s willing to take another pay cut to play in Golden State.
That may all hinge on Howard being willing to play under a veteran’s minimum type of contract, but the Warriors could be a realistic option. Their star backcourt’s return should put them back in the Western Conference picture, making having the former star big man in the mix bring much-needed stability in the frontcourt.
Plenty of options on the table
The 2019-20 season has been nothing short than a positive marker for Dwight Howard’s career as it extends his NBA future.
Howard will have several options at his disposal beyond a return to the Lakers. There should be a strong push from LA to keep him in the fray for at least another season. He has played a crucial part in a championship-caliber team that will be in the picture again next season, especially if Howard returns.
Much can change in the coming months, but it’s clear that the 34-year-old has re-established his worth around the league. It may just be a matter of him choosing the best option for his NBA career moving forward. Ultimately, his free agency decision will be something to keep an eye on as the offseason unfolds.
