Report: Rockets not looking to trade Dwight Howard
Despite recent speculation that the Houston Rockets are shopping Dwight Howard, ESPN's Marc Stein and Calvin Watkins are reporting that the team has no plans to trade its man in the middle.
Related: Celtics have engaged Rockets in Dwight Howard talks
The 30-year-old center, who can opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent this summer, is making a little more than $22 million this season.
Not nearly as dominant as he once was, Howard has nonetheless maintained respectable numbers in 2015-16, recording 14.4 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and one steal per game.
Houston entered the season with aspirations of a deep playoff run after coming within three wins of the NBA Finals last season, but currently sits seventh in the West and only one game over .500.
ESPN's sources indicate that Houston - like so many other teams around the league - believes it can lure Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant by using former teammate and All-Star James Harden as the ultimate pitchman.
In theory, Houston could add Durant while also re-signing Howard, in hopes of putting together a formidable Big Three of its own.
In response to rumors of a potential trade, Howard says he's ignoring the chatter.
"Nobody talks about that stuff," Howard said. "My mind is on trying to get better every day, and I felt like I was on a good stretch and got hurt. Just trying to get back, that's my mindset. We don't sit around and talk about, 'Hey what's going to happen next year?' Because that means you're really not in, and you don't want to have those thoughts."