It seems like reports that Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard is unhappy with his current situation are untrue, as he said following Tuesday's loss to the Toronto Raptors that he tries to remain positive.
Sheridan Hoops reported earlier this week that Howard is not pleased playing second to Rockets All-Star guard James Harden and because of this, his name was linked to trade rumors which involved the Miami Heat.
But Howard said last Tuesday, according to ESPN, "I haven't said nothing to nobody about anything. I've been positive, trying to turn this thing around any way possible. People always going to make up lies or rumors to get off. But I haven't said nothing or anything to anybody."
After making it to the Western Conference Finals last season, the Rockets are struggling this year, although they are seventh in the West with a 13–14 record.
Because of Houston's current setbacks and the reported feeling he has toward playing with Harden, Howard was linked to rumors that he will leave Houston either via trade or during next year's free agency, which according to him is not a concern.
"That's never been a focus. (It's) to try to get these guys to play better, to make myself to play better," Howard stated.
Howard's deal with the Rockets gives him a player option for the 2016–17 season which is worth $23.2 million, according to ESPN.
However, if the 30-year-old former All-Star decides to not exercise the option, he will be a free agent and can look for a much better deal, especially with the salary cap expected to rise drastically as the National Basketball Association's (NBA) new television deals kick in.
But Howard will have to pick up his game and show that he deserves a much lucrative deal than the one he currently has with the Rockets.
Howard's numbers this season are not as good as they were during his prime in Orlando as he averages 12.7 points (second lowest in career), 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.8 blocks, and one steal per contest.
