Dwight Howard may not be commanding a max contract, but the eight-time All-Star is still reportedly seeking a raise.
According to ESPN's Calvin Watkins, Howard is looking for a contract starting at $24 million per year as an unrestricted free agent. That's a far cry from the maximum starting salary for a player of Howard's service time, which is roughly $31 million, but it's also slightly larger than the $23.2 million 2016-17 player option Howard declined to become a UFA.
ESPN's Zach Lowe reported on Thursday that teams were balking at the thought of even a two-year guaranteed contract anywhere in the neighborhood of Howard's max.
Given his age, his declining productivity, and the career-long maturity concerns, it's not shocking that teams may want to steer clear of a long-term offer for Howard, but the 30-year-old can still be a force when at his best.
Howard, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 13.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 1.4 assists, and a steal on 62 percent shooting for the Houston Rockets this past season, while logging over 32 minutes per game.
In addition, Howard remains a fairly durable big man, having missed 12 games or less in 11 of his 12 NBA seasons, though he did miss half the 2014-15 campaign while battling a knee injury.
Howard has been linked to the New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, and Boston Celtics in free-agency reports, with the latter two teams reportedly securing the first meetings with the veteran center in his hometown of Atlanta.