NBA Free Agency: Dwight Howard To Make Decision On July 10

Apr 24, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after being called for an offensive foul during game two of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at AT

In a summer where we anticipate there to be another season of indecision for Dwight Howard, it appears that the most sought-after free agent will make a quick decision when it comes to announcing where his destination will be next season.

ESPN Los Angeles reported that Howard will be ready to choose and announce where he will sign on July 10, the first day that free agents can officially sign or re-sign with a team.

While Howard has said that it is “unlikely” for him to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, general manager Mitch Kupchak still holds some optimism:

“I think the word I’ve used is ‘optimistic.  I think I’m optimistic. I understand that there’s a possibility (Howard) won’t (re-sign), and I probably don’t have any more information than anybody in this room does. I’m aware of a lot of the stuff that’s flying back and forth, a lot of the rumors, so there’s a realistic possibility that he won’t be back. But I’m optimistic that he will.”

 If Howard stays true to what he said, it would benefit all the parties involved.  This would give Daryl Morey and the rest of the Houston Rockets front office time for them to pursue other free agent options should Howard decide to not come to Houston.