Free agent center Dwight Howard has rounded up his meetings with teams interested in acquiring him and announced he'll make his decision on Friday, but with his indecisive nature, who knows who he'll commit too by then.
The Houston Rockets have the belief that they're the leading candidates in the Howard sweepstakes, but according to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, a surprise suitor has emerged and have grabbed Howard's attention:
However, the only way Howard could possible end up on the Warriors would have to come down to a sign-and-trade deal, which the Lakers have expressed multiple times that they have no interest in doing.
But with a likely outcome of the whole fiasco to come on Friday, Laker forward Pau Gasol too has questions about his future with the Lakers and how Howard's re-signing could affect it. Gasol doesn't believe the Lakers will automatically trade or amnesty him, but has acknowledged that the chances of that occurring only increase if Howard stays:
"I don't think that Howard re-signing with the Lakers puts me out of the team for sure, but I guess the chances would grow. I know the Lakers are pushing hard trying to keep Howard with a spectacular campaign in Los Angeles, putting banners in key spots."
Gasol decided to comment on his upcoming free agency and jokingly kept his focus on the banner treatment Howard is receiving, with hopes he'll get the same admiration:
"I hope they (Lakers) do the same for me next season when I become a free agent...I doubt it."
If Howard decides to hit the road for another team, all isn't lost for Gasol. Before Howard came to town, Gasol thrived at the center position and there should be optimism that he can return to his All-Star caliber form. He obviously doesn't defend the paint as well as Howard, but can still be a contributor to the team's offense.
Gasol averaged 13.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists this past season despite all the injuries and role changes.
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