Top 5 Landing Spots for Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard: Top 5 Landing Spots
Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard remains undecided. Howard said he needed the entire summer to figure out his next landing spot. He has an opportunity sign a five–year, $118 million max-level contact with the best franchise in NBA history, but has not indicated to anyone in the Lakers organization he would be returning.
The most Howard can receive from any other team is four years and $87 million.
Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss seem to be very confident that Howard will resign with them, especially after they unanimously decided not to trade him before the deadline. Kobe Bryant even expressed they would need Howard to compete for a title next year.
Los Angeles is the ideal landing spot for any veteran who wants to compete for a world championship every season. This shouldn’t be a difficult decision and if it is, the Lakers' management shouldn’t want him to return.
Howard is the biggest name available in unrestricted free agency this summer, other than Chris Paul. He has reportedly garnered interest from many teams. Howard could end all of this useless speculation by signing the max contract with the Lakers and work on getting healthy for the start of training camp. He has also indicated that his surgically-repaired back was never 100 percent this year.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 landing spots Superman may land this summer.
5. Golden State Warriors
Howard was reportedly interested in signing with the Golden State Warriors before being traded to L.A. This would be an ideal spot for Howard. This young team reached the second round of the playoffs this year and who wouldn’t want to play with the best shooter in the NBA in Stephen Curry?
4. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks were reportedly Howard’s top choice. Owner Mark Cuban is known for taking care of his players and would coddle to his every need. Aging superstar Dirk Nowitzki may have a couple of good years left in him. With Howard, the Mavericks could potentially compete for the NBA Title and if he comes up short – Tony Romo’s right around the corner.
3. Los Angeles Clippers
If Chris Paul decides to leave the Los Angeles Clippers, they will need a back-up plan. Dwight Howard loves living in L.A., and is interested in the off-court endorsements, and glitz and glamour that sunny L.A. can provide. There would also be way less pressure if he signs with Los Angeles' other team — no Laker Nation or Magic Johnson breathing down his back.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
It’s the Los Angeles Lakers. Showtime. Do I really need a sales pitch? Also, Howard can make $30 million more if he signs with the Lakers. It should be any player's dream to put on the purple and gold. If he dedicates himself to the game 100 percent, Howard could earn a statue in front of Staples Center.
1. Houston Rockets
“Houston, we have Superman.” This is the ideal spot for Howard. Teaming up with James Harden and Jeremy Lin, he could win multiple championships for the Rockets. Harden and Lin are excellent passers and will incorporate Howard into the offense seamlessly. The Houston Rockets have young talent and a solid core. Dwight Howard can go to Houston, play in a smaller market with less pressure and become the next Hakeem Olajuwon.
