NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets Dwight Howard Scouts for Trade Partners; Warriors Embarrass James Harden, Jason Terry

By Mitch de Leon
Houston Rockets Dwight Howard and Portland Trail Blazers LaMarcus Aldridge
Houston Rockets Dwight Howard and Portland Trail Blazers LaMarcus Aldridge

The Houston Rockets suffered an embarrassing loss to the Golden State Warriors. Despite the early confidence of the James Harden squad, the group still failed to beat the Klay Thompson squad. The loss, which could have been acceptable given that they were facing the reigning NBA champs, was more humiliating since the Golden State Warriors played sans star player Stephen Curry. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets had all their players in pristine condition but still delivered a lowly 81-114 loss.

"I'm guaranteeing it," Jason Terry earlier announced of their chances of beating the Golden State Warriors. The Houston Rockets star added, "If I don't, then what? It's a loss, right. I guarantee victory -- that's what it's going to take. I believe in my group. I know we can get a win here and send this thing back to Houston."

Clearly, the Houston Rockets failed to make good of their promise. So, what is next for the team plagued with NBA trade rumors and locker room rifts throughout the basketball season? Where will they go from here?

Rumors are rife that Dwight Howard will be leaving the NBA team to try his luck at free agency. With that in mind, some basketball squads have been cited as potential landing spots for the former Los Angeles Lakers star. The list includes the Dallas Mavericks where he is expected to reunite with Dirk Nowitzki. The Orland Magic and Milwaukee Bucks are also said to be frontrunners for Howard's free agency.

Even the Portland Trail Blazers, who lost LaMarcus Aldridge to the San Antonio Spurs, is said to be looking into the Houston Rockets star to complement Damian Lillard. Rounding up the teams interested in Howard is the Charlotte Hornets. The Michael Jordan squad, which showed so much potential as they faced off versus the Miami Heat of Dwyane Wade and Hassan Whiteside, needs a veteran presence to guide Kemba Walker, Nicolas Batum and Courtney Lee.

"The Rockets will have a comprehensive list of coaches to view whenever the season ends. Bickerstaff, who remains in good standing with management, will be part of that conversation. Alexander and Morey believe that Harden will play a role in helping to hire a coach and potentially sign free agents," revealed Calvin Watkins of ESPN. He added, "Howard is not expected to have a role. It's expected that he will become a free agent and seek a new team. Orlando, Milwaukee, Portland and Charlotte are the favorites."

Amid the speculations that Howard is no longer the same player he was when he rose to his All-Star status, some NBA stars still believe in his talent. In fact, the mere fact that basketball teams are still expressing interest in signing him proves his worth in the league today.

"I think he can still dominate the game," said Chandler Parsons of Howard. The Dallas Mavericks star added, "I think he can still be a great player in this league. And I think he's going to leave Houston. So why not come here?"

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