Rockets' Dwight Howard to become free agent

Dwight Howard tenure as Rockets center is not over, but it took the expected step in that direction.

Howard's representatives told Rockets general manager Daryl Morey on Tuesday afternoon that he would not pick up the option on a fourth season of his Rockets contract, worth roughly $23.3 million, to become an unrestricted free agent next month, a person with knowledge of the conversations said. The individual spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the talks.

Howard has not ruled out returning to the Rockets, according to the person familiar with his thinking, but considered returning with just one season on his contract to be irresponsible. Howard will look for a combination of the "environment" and "chance to win," the individual said.

Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni expressed that he considered their relationship to be solid and Morey told Howard's representatives that he would like to have Howard return, but more substantive talks about how Howard would fit with D'Antoni's system and about the contract Morey would offer would not begin until Howard is a free agent next month.



Click through the gallery to revisit Howard's time in Houston. Dwight Howard hasn't ruled out returning to the Rockets, but will not exercise his player option for 2016-17.

Click through the gallery to revisit Howard's time in Houston. Dwight Howard hasn't ruled out returning to the Rockets, but will not exercise his player option for 2016-17. Photo: Houston Chronicle Photo: Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 81 Caption Close Rockets' Dwight Howard to become free agent 1 / 81 Back to Gallery

Howard last season averaged just 13.7 points on just 8.5 attempts, the fewest points and attempts since his rookie season, but did make 62 percent of his shots while grabbing 11.8 rebounds per game. In three seasons with the Rockets, he averaged 16 points and 11.7 rebounds.