The Milwaukee Bucks were reportedly in talks to acquire Dwight Howard, but things broke down when Howard wouldn’t back down on his plans to opt out after the season.
According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, an offer was made, but the Bucks weren’t willing to make a deal without receiving assurances that Howard wouldn’t exercise his opt-out after the season, which Howard reportedly refused to do.
ESPN sources say Milwaukee made offer for Dwight Howard but talks broke down in part because Howard wouldn't opt into final year of contract
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 18, 2016
ESPN sources say Bucks would only consider Dwight Howard trade if they knew they had him beyond this season; Howard wants to be free agent
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 18, 2016
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
There’s really no incentive for Howard not to opt out after the season. The salary cap is going up and he’s going to get big money, and there’s no point in Howard risking injury and getting another year older before getting his payday.
The Rockets reportedly shopped Howard before the deadline, but with the big man a near-certainty to be little more than a rental, it’s understandable why nothing got done. At least one team harbored some concerns about Howard’s character, too.
