Superman is staying with the Houston Rockets, as the team is having no plans of dealing away former All-Star center Dwight Howard with the trade period ending on Feb. 18.
Howard was linked to potential trade deals because the Rockets struggled early in the 2015–16 National Basketball Association (NBA) season, and he's reportedly disappointed playing behind the shadow of James Harden.
The veteran big man already denied the issue regarding Harden and the Rockets are already thriving, but still he is involved in rumors.
However, in a report by ESPN, sources who are aware of the Rockets' plans said the team wants Howard to stay until the end of the season, with his contract expiring on July 1.
According to sources, the main mission for Houston is to lure Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant in free agency.
The Rockets reportedly believe they have a strong chance of landing Durant because of his close relationship with Harden, who is a former teammate in Oklahoma City.
Meanwhile for Howard, sources say he does not have any intent of being shipped to another team and aims to end the season with the Rockets before negotiating for a new contract.
Recently, the New York Daily News reported that the Boston Celtics had talks with the Rockets inquiring about Howard, but nothing significant was reported thereafter.
Howard missed a few games this season because of injuries, mostly minor back and knee problems, but still he is a force in the paint and is a reliable center.
The 30-year-old played and started in 40 games for Houston so far, averaging 14.4 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.6 blocks and one steal in 31.9 minutes of action per outing.
Those numbers are decent for a starting center in the NBA, with the most notable his double-double average each game.
As the Rockets (26–25, seventh in the Western Conference) continue their playoff push, Howard will likely be a part of it until the season concludes.
