Dwight Howard declines option with Rockets, will be a free agent

Dwight Howard opted out of his contract on Tuesday, declining his $23.2 million player option and likely ending his time with the Houston Rockets.

A reduced salary is a possibility for Howard should he return. But given the increase in the NBA salary cap, Howard could command a max contract in excess of $30 million per season.

The 30-year-old center now will become a free agent on July 1 after averaging 13.7 points and attempting 8.5 field goals per game in 2015-16, his lowest output since his rookie season with Orlando in 2004-05.