As free agency nears on July 1st, teams begin to target those who they will chase, and players decide whether they want to test the market. In a move that many felt was needed, Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard has opted out of his $23.2 million player option, becoming a free agent.
The 30-year-old struggled during his time in Houston, especially last season, where he averaged just 13.7 points, his lowest total since his rookie season with the Orlando Magic during the 2005-06 campaign.
One of the main factors that may have drove Howard away was the hiring of Mike D'Antoni as head coach, which would require him to play in a different style. That style would make him the second option, taking away his post-presence. Injuries played a role in his lack of a role in the offense last season, as he dealt with a sore back for most of the year. Howard is hoping to find a home that will allow him to embrace the style of play that made him the a star big man in the league.
In a move that many experts expected, veteran forward Dirk Nowtizki is also ready to become a free agent on July 1st, opting out of his $8.7 million option. His deadline was Wednesday to make the decision, but reports in May rumored that he had already made up his mind.
This will be the first time he is in the market since 2014, but Dirk has been a Maverick since the team drafted him in 1998. Many believe the big man intends on once again re-signing with Dallas. When asked about what Nowitzki will do, Mavs owner Mark Cuban said "Dirk gets to do what Dirk wants."
The 38-year-old has put up impressive numbers during his 18-year NBA career, which includes on regular-season MVP and a Finals MVP trophy. The 13-time All-Star is sixth on the all-time scoring list with 29,491 career points. Needless to say, the Mavs would have a hard time moving on without him.
The 30-year-old struggled during his time in Houston, especially last season, where he averaged just 13.7 points, his lowest total since his rookie season with the Orlando Magic during the 2005-06 campaign.
One of the main factors that may have drove Howard away was the hiring of Mike D'Antoni as head coach, which would require him to play in a different style. That style would make him the second option, taking away his post-presence. Injuries played a role in his lack of a role in the offense last season, as he dealt with a sore back for most of the year. Howard is hoping to find a home that will allow him to embrace the style of play that made him the a star big man in the league.
In a move that many experts expected, veteran forward Dirk Nowtizki is also ready to become a free agent on July 1st, opting out of his $8.7 million option. His deadline was Wednesday to make the decision, but reports in May rumored that he had already made up his mind.
This will be the first time he is in the market since 2014, but Dirk has been a Maverick since the team drafted him in 1998. Many believe the big man intends on once again re-signing with Dallas. When asked about what Nowitzki will do, Mavs owner Mark Cuban said "Dirk gets to do what Dirk wants."
The 38-year-old has put up impressive numbers during his 18-year NBA career, which includes on regular-season MVP and a Finals MVP trophy. The 13-time All-Star is sixth on the all-time scoring list with 29,491 career points. Needless to say, the Mavs would have a hard time moving on without him.
