It’s a rough day to be Rockets GM Daryl Morey — he wants to move Dwight Howard and Ty Lawson, but is finding there isn’t much demand for them around the league, at least not at a fair price. The two biggest names he wanted to move appear to be staying put.
Howard — more because he will be a free agent this summer and likely is just a rental more than the baggage many fans place on him — is not drawing significant offers from teams around the league. From Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.
Still time until 3 PM ET deadline, but Houston has no significant traction on a trade for Dwight Howard, league sources tell @TheVertical
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 18, 2016
The people in Howard’s camp expect him to stay in Houston for the season, apparently.
Strong belief within Dwight Howard camp that he will not be moved today before deadline. Three hours to go.
— Ken Berger (@KBergNBA) February 18, 2016
Expect the Howard camp to spin this as “he loves the Rockets, he never wanted to be traded, he is committed to the team” even if nobody around the league buys that. Howard will be a free agent this summer, and it will be interesting to see how much money and how many years teams are willing to give him, considering his back issues, age, and declining skills.
As for Lawson, the rumored trade to Utah is dead.
Sources: Rockets, Jazz had casual talks on Ty Lawson, but those ended. Both teams moved on. Another thing: Rockets won't buy out Lawson.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 18, 2016
Look for the Jazz to still make a move to pick up a point guard, even if it is a small move like getting Shelvin Mack from Atlanta.
