NBA Rumors: Howard May Try Luck Joining New Team For Higher Pay

KEY POINTS

Dwight Howard may return to the Lakers but on another low deal
Howard could try his luck with other teams for more playing time
Lakers may opt for DeMarcus Cousins over Howard if the former is fully healed from his injury

Dwight Howard is finally an NBA champion, part of the Los Angeles Lakers squad that recently bagged the 2019-20 title at the expense of the Miami Heat. He is set to become a free agent this offseason.

In the playoffs, Howard was seen as someone who was unlikely to return, not seeing much action in the early stages. However, the 34-year-old got his taste of playing time starting from the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets.

Amid his impending free agency, the belief of most is that the eight-time NBA All-Star may not stay with the Lakers, with some singling out his age. But that may depend on whether the purple and gold can sign a younger big man. The man on the L.A. radar is DeMarcus Cousins — the same guy that Howard replaced after "Boogie" fell to an ACL injury.

But ESPN's Brian Windhorst sees the Lakers trying to re-sign Howard rather than reconsider Cousins. The three-time defensive NBA Player of the Year remains a good contributor, someone who could be part of a back-to-back NBA campaign.

Howard found himself sacrificing big this season. He agreed to a $2.5 million contract with the Lakers for a chance to win an NBA title. It was the best recourse for the 6-foot-11 center, seeing as how his career was on the decline. Ironically, he rejoined a team that he left back in 2013 for the Houston Rockets. As most know, that was a hard pill to swallow.

At 34, Howard adds his name to the list of other great players who joined a championship-caliber team to provide key minutes for an NBA title win. That list includes Marc Gasol (Toronto Raptors), Jason Kidd (Dallas Mavericks), Michael Finley (San Antonio Spurs), Gary Payton and Alonzo Mourning (Miami Heat) and Glen Rice (Los Angeles Lakers), among others.

Now, Howard's stay will depend on whether he is content being a backup center or wants to try his luck getting more playing time somewhere else. Several teams could give the former top pick another chance. Among the teams being suggested are the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks and the Sacramento Kings.

The Warriors and the Kings could make sense, although it may all boil down to the offer on the table. Having just won an NBA title, Howard will want to join a club outside the Lakers that has a good shot at another NBA crown. For now, Howard will enjoy his first NBA title with his Lakers teammates.