The Houston Rockets are teetering on the edge of being a playoff team and the next few weeks will determine their postseason fate. After getting a string of solid wins, it is clear that Dwight Howard could be the X factor in getting the Rockets to the playoffs. As Howard approaches free agency, his recent play has general manager Daryl Morey considering bringing back the center next season.
The Rockets' season has not gone as planned, but they have a chance to make a run in the final weeks and get into the postseason. Howard will go a long way in dictating if that happens which could then factor into his future with Houston. Heading into the trade deadline, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Howard was on his way out considering his intentions to opt out of his current contract. However, Morey is not ready to give up on the idea of the center coming back.
While speaking at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, Morey was asked about the potential of re-signing Howard in free agency. The general manager did not say no, but he also did not say yes. Instead he noted that there was a structure in place with the new NBA salary caps that would make a return possible. According to Morey, "I just said they had the concept." Fans can read into that what they want to, but Morey appears open to the idea of bringing back Howard, something sources had been reporting since a trade did not take place at the deadline.
The Rockets did shop Howard at the trade deadline, but their asking price was simply too high for opponents to meet. Since Howard was retained he has been finding his groove with the Rockets, causing the franchise to considering bringing him back into the mix next season. In the past five games, Howard has averaged 15.4 points and 13.4 rebounds while shooting 72.3 percent from the field. That has Houston heading down a better path.
"He's caught his rhythm on both sides of the ball," Rockets interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "He's been special defensively for us. He can basically guard the paint single-handedly, deter guys from coming in there. Then, on the other end of the floor, he's getting to his spots. His touch is there. His rhythm is there."
Ultimately, Howard's contract demands will go a long way in determining if he comes back to Houston. The Rockets will try and sign Kevin Durant. If that fails, Howard could get a serious look. The center is content with testing the market first. Sources are reporting he is interested in signing with the Knicks while the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat could take a serious look at him as well. Morey is not against having Howard come back to Houston. If the center continues to play like he is, the Rockets could be willing to meet whatever contract demands he might have.
