NBA Rumors: Dwight Howard Atop Mavericks’ Wish List In NBA Free Agency

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015-16 NBA season has come to an end for two of the three NBA teams in Texas. The San Antonio Spurs are holding on to hope they can advance to the NBA Finals by getting the best of the Oklahoma City Thunder, but may end up joining the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks as spectators.

With the Mavericks and Rockets already in offseason mode, the two franchises face some tough challenges over the summer. Superstar Dirk Nowitzki is already a lock to remain in Dallas, but the team needs help, and it appears Mark Cuban and company are looking at Dwight Howard to fill the void.

According to Dwain Price of Star-Telegram, Howard will be the top target for Dallas this summer once free agency gets underway on July 1:

At the top of the Mavericks’ wish list this year is Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard, who plans to opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent this summer. Howard, it would seem, has absolutely everything the Mavericks need from a center.

Last year, the Mavericks thought they had their center of the future in DeAndre Jordan. The Los Angeles Clippers star agreed in a principle to a long-term contract with the Mavericks but then backed out of the deal last minute to remain in Los Angeles.

Dallas will hope not to make the same mistake twice this time around. Despite Dwight clearly being on the downside of his NBA career, the veteran center will have his fair share of suitors this summer. Howard is expected to be pursued by the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers as well as the Mavericks once he officially becomes an unrestricted free agent by opting out of his deal with the Rockets.