Rockets center Dwight Howard reportedly opts out, becomes unrestricted free agent

Dwight Howard is giving up a lot of money from the Houston Rockets for the opportunity to make even more money as an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Though injury-plagued in the past, Howard managed to suit up for 71 games for the Rockets in 2015-16.

If Howard signs elsewhere it will be his fourth team.

With Dwight Howard’s departure, the Rockets will have approximately $45 million in cap space. But since Howard has chosen to proceed with his decision not to join the Rockets under D’Antoni, the team can very well move on and pursue other free agents with the likes of Kevin Durant, Nicolas Batum, Bismack Biyombo, and DeMar DeRozan.

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey and newly hired coach Mike D’Antoni praised Howard’s efforts and welcomed him back if he was willing to play a different style. That pair clashed when both were with the Lakers in 2012-13, and Howard is reportedly already exhausted of seeing his role diminish in Houston, where James Harden dominates the ball.In April, ESPNs Calvin Watkins suggested that teams strongly interested in Howard could include the Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets and the Magic.

Howard, 30, has worked diligently this summer coming off his 12th National Basketball Association season.

The eight-time NBA All-Star was set to make $23.2 million for the 2016-17 season. Testing the waters of free agency can be good, as long as you know your value as a player.

Howard’s future with the Rockets has been uncertain since the early part of the year.