Houston, TX

The four team Dwight Howard sweepstakes appears to be over as multiple media outlets are reporting that the seven-time All-Star center is taking his talents to the Houston Rockets despite facing a substantial pay cut by opting to leave the Lakers. Howard could have signed for five years and $118 million with Los Angeles or four years and $88 million with any other team.

Howard joined the Los Angeles Lakers from the Orlando Magic in a 12-player trade in August 2012 and played for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, but the team battled through injuries and Howard didn't appear to be a fit in Hollywood.

Three other teams were in the mix for the big-man's services, including the Dallas Mavericks.

"Got word we are out of the DH sweepstakes," Mavs owner Mark Cuban told ESPNDallas.com and other local media in an email. "We gave it a shot and it didn't work out. It was truly an experience. At some point I will post our video and presentation we made."

Howard averages over 18 points and 13 rebounds per contest in his career. His arrival in Houston instantly makes the Rockets Western Conference championship contenders. He joins a lineup that already includes James Harden, Chandler Parsons, Jeremy Lin and promising center Omer Asik.

However, Howard's arrival now creates a logjam in Houston with Asik. Asik, who averaged a double-double on the season with a career-best campaign of 10.1 points and 11.7 boards, reportedly wants out.

 

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