It appears Dwight Howard will remain on the Washington Wizards' payroll.

Howard has picked up the player option on his contract next season, sources told ESPN's Zach Lowe. The three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year is due just over $5.6 million in 2019-20, the second season of a two-year, $11-million contract he signed with the Wizards last summer.

The 33-year-old was unlikely to test free agency after a lost season. Howard played in just nine games for the Wizards in 2018-19, averaging 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds. His season ended Nov. 18 and he underwent back surgery later that month.