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Dwight Howard ended up staying put in Houston by the time Thursday's trade deadline passed, but the bigger story may have been the unlikely team that tried to push its way into trade talks for the eight-time All-Star.
The Milwaukee Bucks made an offer for Howard, but backed off when the big man refused to opt into the final year of his contract, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
Howard reportedly wants to test free agency again this summer, and a young lottery team in a small market like Milwaukee would be wise not to surrender assets in hopes the center would consider re-signing with it.
The Bucks, of course, weren't the only team with hesitations regarding Howard's pending free agency.
ESPN sources say Houston also talked Dwight Howard with Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Miami. Looming free agency big obstacle
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 18, 2016
After emerging as one of the NBA's most pleasant surprises last year when they earned a postseason trip, the Bucks have crashed back to earth. They have a 22-32 record, which has them 13th in the improved Eastern Conference and 5.5 games out of a playoff spot.
The Rockets, meanwhile, sit a half-game out of the West playoff picture after advancing to the conference finals last spring. Reports indicate Howard and All-NBA shooting guard James Harden have tried to get each other traded at least once during their partnership.
