Shortly after NBA free agency commences in the wee hours Sunday morning, Dwight Howard is set to meet in Los Angeles with a Houston Rockets contingent that includes management, players and former star center Hakeem Olajuwon, according to a source with knowledge of the meeting.

Teams are officially allowed to start meeting with free agents at 12:01 a.m. Monday.

The Rockets plan to send general manager Daryl Morey, coach Kevin McHale, owner Les Alexander, Olajuwon and Rockets James Harden and Chandler Parsons to recruit Howard, the source said.

ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard reported earlier this week that Howard, a seven-time All-Star who spent this past season with the Lakers, also plans to meet with Dallas and Atlanta before sitting down with the Lakers. A source told ESPNLosAngeles.com's Dave McMenamin that Howard also has agreed to meet with Golden State. Broussard reported it's unlikely Howard will re-sign with Los Angeles.

Sources told ESPN that the Mavericks' delegation -- led by owner Mark Cuban and star forward Dirk Nowitzki -- will present Dallas' case to Howard on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Broussard reported earlier in the week that the Lakers will go last, a request made by the team, meaning Atlanta's turn likely will be between Houston's and Dallas' presentations.

"There is no frontrunner," a source told McMenamin.