Report: Dwight Howard interested in Knicks if he opts out this summer

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard would reportedly be interested in the New York Knicks if he opts out this summer.

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard is interested in the New York Knicks as a potential suitor if he opts out this summer, reports ESPN’s Ian Begley.

Howard’s friends have “let it be known” the center is interested in the Knicks if he chooses to forgo the final year of his contract, league sources told Begley. Howard is owed over $23 million next season, but can become a free agent if he exercises his opt-out clause, which he is widely expected to do.

The Knicks will have the resources to chase a Howard-type player in the off-season. New York will have at least $18 million in cap room after this season, which could be enough to lure a big-name star.

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Howard, who was the subject of numerous trade rumors in February, is averaging 14.9 points and 12 rebounds per game this season, his third with Houston.