NBA teams are pulling out all the stops when it comes to attempting to land the year's top free agent, Dwight Howard. The free agent is meeting with several teams throughout the week before making a decision on July 10. Howard has already met with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks with the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warrriors set for later days. As teams get competitive for the center's attention, the contract offers are getting more creative by the deam.
Both the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets have included television opportunities for Howard if he signs. ESPN Los Angeles is reporting that Time Warner, who owns the television rights to the Lakers, have already discussed giving Howard his own television show if he re-signs with the Lakers. Howard has been looking to remain in a large market that would offer him more brand opportunities and the entertainment industry in Los Angeles could be a selling point. Who needs a championship when there is endorsement money to get?
Not to be out done, the Rockets are offering the same kind of deal to Howard. Reportedly, Houston's sales pitch includes a television show with Comcast SportsNet Houston. Who does not want to see more of Howard once free agency is over? Howard has asked the Rockets to add a third superstar to play alongside himself and James Harden so in return they just offered a television show. NBA Free Agency, where anything goes.
Howard has also wrapped up a meeting with his hometown Atlanta Hawks. Danny Ferry is confident that Howard will give the team a strong look considering he is from Atlanta and still has family residing in the area. Howard is looking to join a team with several marquee stars. Atlanta does not fit that bill unless they make an effort re-sign Josh Smith to play with Howard. Ferry would not comment on the details of the team's meeting with Howard, only to say that things went "well."
If the Hawks did not offer Howard a television show as part of the deal, they likely have zero chance of getting the center. The free agent's next meeting will be with Golden State on Monday night and then the Dallas Mavericks will start their pitch on Tuesday morning. Mark Cuban could always offer up a guest starring spot on Shark Tank to win over Howard.
