Dwight Howard Rumors: Return To Orlando Magic Isn't Being Ruled Out

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard has the ability to opt out of his contract this summer and is expected to do just that. With the NBA salary cap set to massively increase over the next few seasons, Howard is hedging his bets that he’ll be able to score an incredibly lucrative, multi-year deal as a free agent whether it’s with the Rockets, or another franchise.

Howard and Rockets superstar James Harden are said to dislike each other despite the two’s claims to the contrary. The team has disappointingly underwhelmed this season after making an appearance in the Western Conference Finals in 2015, and they will be lucky to hold on to a playoff spot over the next few weeks. Thus, a fresh start in a new location perhaps is exactly what Howard needs.

But could a return to one of his former teams be in the cards?

Well, we know for sure there’s no way he’s going to be back with the Los Angeles Lakers considering how that debacle unraveled. However, Howard is said to be open to a reunion with the Orlando Magic, who he was drafted by and played with for eight seasons between 2004-12.

According to @RicBucher, Dwight Howard is exploring his options and could potentially make a return to the Magichttps://t.co/nakuppZEuW

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 25, 2016

Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher says it’s undoubtedly a possibility.

The Magic are a disappointing 29-42 as we speak, but they clearly have a solid core in place with Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo and NBA Slam Dunk Contest runner-up Aaron Gordon. However, we all know center Nikola Vucevic is Orlando’s best player, so adding Howard makes little-to-no sense for the Magic unless they were able to move Vucevic for a king’s ransom in return.

The Magic will be able to add two max-contract players this summer. Howard would account for one, and if they were able to land another big-time talent, the team could really make some noise in a top-heavy Eastern Conference. However, convincing one of the NBA’s premier players to join the small-market Magic with Howard in the mix could be a tough chore considering he appears to be widely disliked among his peers.