The Houston Rockets are not a team that was expected to be fighting for a playoff spot this season. Houston surprised a lot of people by making a run to the Western Conference Finals a season ago, but they returned basically their entire roster, so they came into this season with high expectations. Things haven't gone all that well for them this season, though, and they are now fighting to hold on to one of the final playoff spots out West.
Much has been made of the relationship between the Rockets' two star players, James Harden and Dwight Howard. There have been reports that they are trying to get each other traded and that they don't get along, but both of them have said the right things about that in the media. Howard even recently said that he believes this year's Rockets can win a championship.
This offseason, Howard and Harden will have the opportunity to split up, as Howard has a player option in his contract that he is expected to decline. In free agency, Howard is expected to be looking for a max contract, and there are expected to be several teams interested. It is being reported that Howard's first choice is to remain in Houston beyond this season, but if they don't want him back, he will seek out a return to the Orlando Magic.
Virtually everything about this report is a surprise. It was reported earlier this season that Howard was unhappy in Houston and wanted a trade. Obviously, he denied that report, but it wouldn't shock anyone if it was true, given his past. It could be possible that the 12-year veteran is tired of changing teams and just wants some continuity, but the idea of him wanting to stay with the Rockets is not what many expected.
As for his potential interest in a return to Orlando, Howard did spend the first eight years of his career there. The 30-year-old center was a dominant player with the Magic, and since he left, he has never been the same. Howard did not leave Orlando on the best of terms, but a lot of things have changed there, including the coach and basically all of the players. Magic fans would likely welcome Howard back with open arms because they haven't been anywhere close to as successful, as they were with him since he left.
It is unclear if the Rockets or Magic will be willing to give Howard the max contract he desires. The Rockets have reportedly been unsure of whether they want to make a long-term commitment to Howard because his skills seem to be diminishing and he has had injuries the past few years. They are open to the idea of bringing him back, but the price may be too hefty for them. As for Orlando, there is no indication of which way they would lean on this, but they have cleared cap room to be able to fit in a max player. They do already have Nikola Vucevic, who is a very good center, but they are looking to improve their roster.
Odds are that Howard will be able to find a team to give him a max contract this offseason given the rise in salary cap, but who that team will be is anyone's guess at this point. Howard may have the two teams he prefers, but that doesn't mean that's where he will end up.
