Report: Rockets shopping Howard in trade

HOUSTON – According to report from Yahoo Sports, the Houston Rockets have begun contacting other teams to gauge interest in the trade market for Dwight Howard. 

The NBA's trade deadline is Feb. 18. The Rockets next game is the following day when they play at Phoenix.

Howard is in his third season with the Rockets, and his contract includes an opt-out provision following this season. 

It has long been assumed Howard would exercise that option. 

He would become an unrestricted free agent if he opts out.  Howard's ability to become a free agent obviously dramatically affects his trade value. He also due over $22 million in salary this season, and his contract includes a trade kicker that would go into effect if he's moved. 

For the season, Howard is averaging 14.6 points and 12.0 rebounds. His scoring average is the lowest since his rookie season, in 2004-05, but his rebounding figure ranks third in the league.

The Rockets dropped their final game before the all-star break last night in Portland, 116-103. That dropped their record to 27-28 and pushed them back into the ninth spot in the Western Conference playoff standings.

Howard scored 28 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. He made 13 field goals, which marked a new season high.

It has been an extremely disappointing season for the Rockets, who lost in the Western Conference finals last season. Houston also finished with a 56-26 record during the regular season.

Their 4-7 start to the season led to the firing of head coach Kevin McHale, who was entering the first year of a three-year contract extension worth over $11 million.