Report: Dwight Howard would consider Knicks in free agency

Now that he's reportedly declined his $23-million player option with the Houston Rockets, center Dwight Howard has the opportunity to find greener pastures elsewhere, and The Big Apple is on his radar as a potential new home.

The New York Knicks are one of the teams the eight-time All-Star will consider once he hits unrestricted free agency, sources told ESPN's Ian Begley.

Howard reportedly told some of his friends early in the 2015-16 season that the Knicks were a franchise he'd be interested in suiting up for.

New York may have become all the more enticing following the news that the team has reportedly acquired former league MVP Derrick Rose from the Chicago Bulls. Also going to the Knicks in the reported deal are Justin Holiday and a 2017 second-round pick, while the Bulls will receive Jose Calderon, Robin Lopez, and Jerian Grant.

Howard will seek a max contract under the NBA's skyrocketing salary cap. He averaged a double-double of 13.7 points and 11.8 rebounds on 62 percent shooting in 71 appearances last season for the 41-41 Rockets.