Report: Rockets pushed to keep Howard before opt-out
Despite toiling through a decidedly unhappy year, the Houston Rockets still wanted Dwight Howard to stay.
Howard opted out of his $23-million option for the 2016-17 season to become a free agent, but sources tell ESPN's Calvin Watkins that team officials tried to convince him to stay for another season.
A reunion would be possible should Howard agree to a reduced salary, but with the 30-year-old in line to earn as much as $30 million on a maximum contract this summer, Howard's return is unlikely.
Related - D'Antoni hire raises questions about Howard's future in Houston
The Rockets apparently value Howard for his defensive ability and a revamped offensive role under head coach Mike D'Antoni. However, Howard openly bickered about his time under D'Antoni with the Los Angeles Lakers, and claimed that Rockets general manager Daryl Morey outright dismissed him in a meeting earlier this season.
Howard averaged 13.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 32.1 minutes per game.