Dwight Howard Decision: Houston Rockets Don't Have Cap Space To Offer Max Contract?

The Houston Rockets, thought by some to be the frontrunners in the Dwight Howard free-agent sweepstakes, don’t have enough cap room to offer him a max contract, according to ProBasketballTalk.com.

Despite assurances from Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon, who spends summers working out with Howard, that he is “85 percent” sure Howard will settle on Houston, the website reports the team could waive all four of its remaining players (Greg Smith, Patrick Beverly, Tim Ohlbrecht and James Anderson) with fully unguaranteed contracts and still not have enough cap room to extend Howard a maximum offer.

The maximum deal Houston can offer the 27-year-old All-Star is four-years, $88 million. Reports have also surfaced that the Rockets might be willing to move either guard Jeremy Lin or center Omer Asik to create more cap space.

The Los Angeles Lakers, Howard’s current team, can offer him the biggest deal at five years, $118 million. But Howard has expressed trepidation about returning to L.A. largely based on his frustrations with coach Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo style of play.

Also, during the team’s official sit-down with him earlier this week, some have asserted Howard was angered by Kobe Bryant’s attempted pep talk during which he implored Howard to “let me teach you how to be a champion.”

Some have speculated Howard’s decision could come as early as today and he is on record in asserting he will publicly announce it by July 10.

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