It looks like Houston have another problem as one of their franchise's cornerstone, Dwight Howard, is said to be opting out of his contract to become a free agent next off-season.
USA Today's Sam Amick wrote that Howard will not exercise the fourth year in his contract. The All-Star center signed a 4-year, $87.6 million contract during the 2013-2014 NBA off-season but he has the option to opt out heading into the fourth year of the deal.
"Howard has a player option for next season worth $23.2 million, but a person with knowledge of the Rockets situation said they are expecting him to opt out and become a free agent," Amick wrote. "The person spoke to USA Today Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the situation."
However, the 30 year-old center said that he is very much committed to the organization and he guaranteed that he won't leave.
"I chose to go to Houston (via free agency in the summer of 2013), so why would I just say, 'I'm not happy' and leave. I chose this place, you know what I'm saying? And I want to make this thing work here. Obviously we haven't been playing great basketball, and personally for myself my numbers don't seem like I've been playing great, but the only thing on my mind is trying to grow as a man and grow as a teammate and a leader," Howard said.
"All the BS that's around, sometimes it is frustrating to hear it, because I know who I am as a man and I know what I'm trying to do for this city."
But, with the way things are going right now for the Rockets, will Howard have a change of heart if they don't make the playoffs? Stay tuned.
