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NBA Trade Rumors: Stars Whose Names Are Surfacing

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) talks with Rockets guard Ty Lawson (3) against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Rockets won 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) talks with Rockets guard Ty Lawson (3) against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Rockets won 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets

Position: Center
Age: 30
Slash Line: .571/.000/.536
Season Averages: 32.1 MPG, 12.7 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.9 ORPG, 1.6 APG, 1.8 BPG, 1.0 SPG

Dwight Howard isn’t the player that he used to be, but he’s still one heck of a contributor. Based in per-game averages, he’s No. 2 in the NBA offensive rebounding, No. 3 in total rebounds, and No. 12 in blocks.

If that’s not enough to capture your attention, Howard checks in at No. 3 in field goal percentage.

True as that all may be, Howard is only attempting 8.3 field goals per game—his lowest mark since his rookie season. He still isn’t polished in the post, and lacks any form of an offensive game outside of the paint, but it’s clear that he needs more touches.

According to Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops, that has Howard asking for a way out of Houston. Per Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle, Howard has profusely denied the report.

"“I haven’t said anything to anybody about anything,” Howard said. “People make up lies and rumors. That’s never been my focus. I’m trying to get these guys to play better and get myself to play better."

"“People are going to say what they got to say to get a story out. People are always going to come up with some rumor and lies. That’s what it is. I can’t focus on that. And I don’t want my teammates to focus on that.”"

Whichever side you believe, this isn’t the first time that Howard’s name has surfaced in trade news.

Howard infamously left the Orlando Magic on unceremonious terms. The same could potentially happen with Houston, although the growing expectation is that he’ll simply opt out of his contract with the Rockets once eligible in 2016.

Regardless of what transpires, Howard will likely be demanding more than 8.3 field goal attempts per game.

Next: Severe Regression