Free agent center Dwight Howard will meet with Warriors officials next week, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic.
As Anthony Slater of The Athletic notes, Golden State has brought several veteran big men in for workouts in recent weeks as the team casts a wide net in its search for a player or two to fill out the roster. Slater refers to Howard as a “real option,” adding that the 37-year-old’s mindset during his meetings with the Warriors’ brass will be a factor in determining whether the two sides move forward.
Howard is an eight-time All-Star and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year but was out of the NBA last season after playing for the Lakers in 2021-22. He averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game (60 appearances) for Los Angeles in 2021-22 before playing in Taiwan in 2022-23.
Howard’s 16.2 MPG in 2021-22 was a career low, but at this stage of his career, he’s unlikely to be viewed as more than a situational reserve by NBA teams. If he’s willing to accept a limited role and perhaps a non-guaranteed contract, he should have a legitimate shot at an NBA comeback.
Dewayne Dedmon, Derrick Favors and Harry Giles are among the other bigs that have reportedly gotten a look from the Warriors this summer (Giles has since signed with Brooklyn). The team was also said to have interest in JaVale McGee before he joined the Kings.
Golden State is currently carrying 13 players on standard contracts. The club will need to have at least 14 by opening night.
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