Just about everyone is saying Dwight Howard has spurned the Los Angeles Lakers and joined the Houston Rockets – except Dwight Howard.
The Dwecision – at least an official one – remains on hold, and the words “InDwecision” and “Dwightmare II” are making their way into the online lexicon.
There is now word that Dwight will make his announcement via Twitter sometime this weekend – after saying he would make his decision Friday, of course – and the extremely reliable Sam Amick of USA Today is reporting that Howard has chosen the Rockets. Still, until the big man with a history of changing his mind makes things official, the waiting game continues for all of the teams involved — except the Golden State Warriors.
Just when half of the sportswriting world was reporting that the Warriors were prepared to clear cap room to sign Howard outright, the ‘Dubs pulled a stunner by dumping the contracts of Andris Biedrins, Richard Jefferson and Brandon Rush along with two first-round draft picks and two second-rounders on the Utah Jazz in exchange for Kevin Murphy.
All that to get Andre Iguodala, who agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract despite a better offer from the Nuggets.
Golden State also had to renounce its Bird rights to free agents Carl Landry and Jarrett Jack, removing the possibility that they can get something back for either of them in a sign-and-trade.
And despite all that shedding, the Warriors can still be in play for Howard — but it would likely only come through a sign-and-trade with the Lakers, who would likely demand Harrison Barnes and/or Klay Thompson as part of any package that also almost certainly would include Andrew Bogut.
So the Lakers now have some leverage, but not a whole lot.
Depending on whose tweets you want to believe, the Rockets are said to be positioned as the top choice of the NBA’s most sought-after free agent since LeBron James three years ago. That is why you should never begin your day with SportsCenter.
Dallas is officially out of it, and Mark Cuban can officially get to work on Plan B. Was it still a good idea to break up that championship team, Mark?
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) July 5, 2013
Time to get into our Top 50 list and bring you up to speed on everything that has been going down on a busy Friday. We’ll be updating again later tonight.
1. Dwight Howard (Center, LA Lakers)
Still just 27, everyone is willing to overlook the disappointing 2012-13 campaign since D12 was playing hobbled for most of it. Fair questions persist as to whether he can lead a team to the promised land, but we know that any team would be willing to roll the dice to find out. If you called any GM and offered Howard in exchange for his starting center, all (except Orlando) would say yes. That’s why he’s still numero uno. JULY 4 UPDATE — The Lakers removed a Howard banner and Hakeem Olajuwon and Daryl Morey both believe that “H-Town” will become “Howard” town. JULY 5 UPDATE — Word now expected to come via Dwight’s Twitter account. If you spend your weekend checking Twitter 2,491 times, you, too, are living the life of a sportswriter. We are expecting Houston, but still awaiting an official announcement.
2. Chris Paul (Point Guard, LA Clippers)
After leading the Clippers to their best season in franchise history and first division title, Paul has gotten over the fact that Donald Sterling outed him as the reason for Vinny Del Negro’s departure. Sterling needed to bring in Doc Rivers to make peace with CP3, and acquiring the coach from Boston was a move that assured Paul is staying. JULY 2 UPDATE — Paul has agreed to re-sign with the Clippers on a five-year, $107 million max. deal.
3. Al Jefferson (Center, Utah Jazz)
One thing we know: A big man who has proven that he can score with his back to the basket is a very valuable commodity. Jefferson is arguably a better all-around offensive weapon than Howard. He is still relatively young at 28 and has been a consistent force in the paint for the Jazz. The bum knee that limited him to 50 games in 2008-09 is now a distant memory. A max player, for sure. JULY 2 UPDATE — Jazz offering 80 percent discount on his jersey (and Paul Millsap’s). Will meet with Bobcats Wednesday. JULY 4 UPDATE — He surprised the entire NBA by agreeing to terms with the Charlotte Bobcats on a three-year deal worth $41 million. The final year has an opt-out.
4. David West (Power Forward, Indiana Pacers)
A run to the conference finals could not have come at a better time for West, who had made it known (as had the Pacers) that his preference is to remain in Indianapolis, where he is perfectly cast as a third scorer and is depended on mostly for his sweet mid-range touch and tenacity in the paint. Paul George hits the market next summer, and returning president Larry Bird says West is No. 1 priority but Pacers will not pay luxury tax under any circumstances. JULY 3 UPDATE — David West has agreed to re-sign with the Indiana Pacers on a three-year, $36 million deal.
5. Josh Smith (Power Forward, Atlanta Hawks)
J-Smoove made headlines this past season when he made it known he would be seeking a four-year max deal worth upwards of $15 million per year. It is difficult to justify paying that kind of money to a player who has not made a single All-Star team in nine years. Still, Smith is one of the most effective defensive players in the league and an explosive finisher in the paint. But which GM will risk his reputation on Smith? That’s a big question. JULY 1 UPDATE — Met with Pistons president Joe Dumars, who is unwilling to make a max offer. Then met with Rockets, who would try to add him in a sign-and-trade with Atlanta if Howard picks Houston. JULY 4 UPDATE — Smith has not been offered the max deal he was looking for, but the Houston Rockets would like to pair him with Howard if D12 signs on. Smith would like for that to happen, yet another waiting on D12. JULY 5 UPDATE — Omer Asik is being dangled to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for a sign-and-trade deal that sends Smith to the Hawks to form the worst free-throw shooting frontcourt in recent memory… IF Dwight signs with the Rockets.
6. Nikola Pekovic [R] (Center, Minnesota Timberwolves)
Guaranteed to be this year’s recipient of a fat, risky poison pill contract. Although significantly older than Omer Asik, Big Pek has a higher upside and more polished offensive game. When it comes to big men, general managers roll the dice quite often. We will see it with Andrew Bynum and we will see it with Pekovic. But the thinking here is that Pekovic will get more money — unless he gets hurt bowling. JULY 2 UPDATE — Quiet on this front, although the Cavs are reportedly interested. Have cap flexibility to offer backloaded contract. He is waiting on Dwight to make his Dwecision. JULY 4 UPDATE — The Timberwolves, according to the Pioneer Press, want to bring Pekovic back. There will be a bidding war over Pek, though. We guarantee it.
7. Andre Iguodala (Small Forward, Denver Nuggets)
Interesting question: Who is worth more to you? Iggy? Or Monta Ellis? If you answer Ellis, it probably means you overvalue a volume scorer who cannot elevate his teammates. If you answer Iggy, though, it means that you properly recognize and appreciate his ability to affect every single facet of any game he plays, even if he is not shooting or scoring particularly well. A great defender — and GMs value that nowadays more than they used to. JULY 3 UPDATE — Kings offered a four-year, $52 million deal, but pulled it after not being given an immediate “Yes.” JULY 5 UPDATE – Nuggets offered more money, but Iggy chose to sign with the Warriors, who were positively Dolanesque in their willingness to pay a very steep price.
8. Monta Ellis (Shooting Guard, Milwaukee Bucks)
The secret is out: Ellis is a volume scorer who is probably best served as a sixth man who’s only responsibility is to light it up off the bench. Only problem? He turned down a two-year, $24 million extension from the Bucks that we think was more than fair. If Ellis is looking for more on the open market, it shows that he has a false sense of his value. A very talented player, he should draw interest from a team that has cap space and a dearth of options as to whom to spend it on. JULY 1 UPDATE — Knicks are interested, but can only offer $3.2 million. Nobody takes a $9 million haircut. JULY 4 UPDATE — With J.R. Smith, Tony Allen, Tyreke Evans and Kyle Korver all off the market, Ellis and O.J. Mayo are the top shooting guards out there. We peg Ellis’ fair market value at four years, $36-$40 million.
9. Tyreke Evans [R] (Point Guard/Small Forward, Sacramento Kings)
One of this generation’s enigmas, Evans is still searching for the touch that enabled him to become one of the few rookies in history to average 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Still just 23, NBA GMs will think a new coach and system can re-tap that potential, and potential gets you paid. The Kings will have a new coach and a new system, so they should have a “should we match?” question on their hands come July 10. JULY 2 UPDATE — Pelicans have made a four year offer for between $40-$48 million. See how Reggie Miller reacted. JULY 3 UPDATE — Though it does not hold much weight, Evans has reportedly let it be known that he wants a change of scenery and hopes to end up with the Pelicans. JULY 4 UPDATE — Evans will get his wish and be dealt to the New Orleans Pelicans. He will sign a four-year deal worth $44 million once the moratorium is over on July 10.
10. Jeff Teague [R] (Point Guard, Atlanta Hawks)
Perhaps the most intriguing young point guard on the market, his value has been established at about $8-$9 million thanks to the extensions doled out to Jrue Holiday and Ty Lawson. He probably stays in Atlanta, though in-demand restricted free agents sometimes get overpaid. (Ask Landry Fields.) Much depends on what GM Danny Ferry pulls off with all his cap space. For a team with only five players under contract (not counting draftees), he is somewhat expendable given that Lou Williams is one of those five. JULY 1 UPDATE — Where does Teague rank among point guards? Read this. JULY 3 UPDATE — Bucks coach Larry Drew likes him and would like Milwaukee to pursue.