NBA Rumors: Dwight Howard Pro Career Continues Downward Spiral

Dwight Howard, once considered to be among the promising big men in the NBA, will be moving on once more. The Washington Wizards are trading away the 33-year-old center to the Memphis Grizzlies although his future after that remains unclear. The word out is that he may be eventually waived or traded -- meaning his future right now is now in the doldrums.

Word of the Howard trade was first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, while Adrian Wojnarowski added that the eight-time NBA All-Star is likely to be waived or traded. In return, the Grizzlies will send CJ Miles to the Wizards.

Since entering the league back in 2004 as the first overall pick, Howard has played for four different teams. His next stop would be his fifth. The 6-foot-11 player had his best years with the Orlando Magic and struggled from there on with his concurrent ballclubs. Injuries also slowed the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk contest winner, reasons why his NBA career has been on the decline.

Last NBA season, Howard was a virtual no-show. He played in only 9 games for the Wizards averaging 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds. A back injury forced him out of the season -- an area which teams will likely look into before agreeing to a deal with the former two-time NBA blocks leader. So far, no team has expressed interest in his services although some team may risk getting him for as long as he has a clean bill of health.

When healthy, there is no question Howard can be a starter for any ballclub. But at 33 and at the rate that he is piling up injuries, the best he can aim for is a bench role. If Howard wants to recall his glory years, he will have to earn it similar to how most NBA players are doing it right now. His financial value is expected to take a hit as well, giving him more reason to take better care of himself and show he still has game.

When he joined the Wizards, he felt refreshed and said that he felt great and was gathering strength to play an 82-game season, the Washington Post reported. The last time he was able to play an entire NBA season was back during the 2010-11 NBA season.