Dwight Howard will reportedly be at the top of Mavericks' free agency list
The Mavericks want the big man to join them, but is it a good fit?
By
Matt Moore
•
1 min read
The Dallas Mavericks figure to once again be in pursuit of a big-name free agent signing after last year's disaster with DeAndre Jordan. And the Star Telegram reports that one name that could intrigue the Mavs as they look to give Dirk Nowitzki one last run is likely-free-agent Dwight Howard.
At the top of the Mavericks' wish list this year is Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard, who plans to opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent this summer. Howard, it would seem, has absolutely everything the Mavericks need from a center.
Plus, Howard constantly draws a double team, which would allow Dirk Nowitzki to hang out on the perimeter and basically enjoy target practice during the twilight of his career.
Source: Dwight Howard tops Dallas Mavericks' free-agent wish list | The Star-Telegram.
This makes a lot of sense on a number of levels. First off, Howard is close with Chandler Parsons, who recruited him to Houston three years ago and who is likely to also stay with the Mavericks. Howard fits next to Nowitzki and Rick Carlisle could likely get the most from him. The Mavericks' training staff is top notch, with several members of the old Phoenix Suns crew that kept players so healthy so often. And Dallas gives Howard a warm-weather city where he can compete for a playoff spot, if not championship, and in a big market, to boot.
The money is going to be the problem. There have already been reports linking Howard to Dallas, but the Mavs are reportedly suspicious of what his price tag will be. If Howard wants a max deal, the Mavericks will likely pass. But if he's good with a big money, non-max that could be for several seasons, there's likely a good fit to be found here. Howard is also expected to draw interest from the Magic, among other teams.
