NBA Transfer News: Warriors Turn Down Dwight Howard – What’s Next for Golden State?

The Golden State Warriors still have a massive vacancy at center for the next season despite not selecting Dwight Howard.

Reporter with a good reputation, Shams Charania of The Athletic, claims that the Golden State Warriors were uninterested in signing veteran forward Dwight Howard. Here is the latest information on this, to begin with:

Dwight Howard spent two days with the Golden State Warriors coaching staff, working out and attending meetings. After his meeting with the Warriors, he enjoyed a private practice session with Draymond Green and Chris Paul. The club ultimately opted against signing the deal. 

While in the United States, Dwight Howard is keeping his NBA dreams alive by keeping an eye out for potential employment offers from other organizations. With the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021–2022, he last played American football in the United States, averaging 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

The Golden State Warriors’ rejection of Dwight Howard begs the question: why?

Everyone is aware of Golden State’s need for a center forward, and Dwight Howard’s name has been brought up as a possible candidate. 

The Warriors evaluated a number of players, including the defending NBA champion of 2020, Dewayne Dedmon (34 years old, formerly of the Miami Heat and 76ers), and Tony Bradley (25 years old, 2m08 tall).

Before Golden State could “make a move” for former Warriors player JaVale McGee, the big man signed with the Sacramento Kings.

It seemed that the Golden State Warriors might sign Dwight Howard because of their need for a center forward. Anthony Slater, a pro-Warriors writer, has claimed, however, that the club is changing course and would not play a center forward for the time being.

Rodney McGruder, a 32-year-old point guard with 9 years of NBA experience, has joined the Warriors, leaving the Warriors with one unfilled roster space.

“adding a center forward will be something Golden State does during the season,” wrote Slater. “but for now the team will use the existing squad to test first.”

The Golden State Warriors have relied on Kevon Looney, a 2m06 center forward who has been with the club since 2015, without bringing in any other big men.

Draymond Green and the newly acquired Dario ari provide Coach Steve Kerr with options if he decides to go to a small-ball lineup. ari is a talented big man who formerly played for the Phoenix Suns.

Usman Garuba, a 21-year-old athlete signed by the Warriors last week, is another big name. Garuba is known for his strength and fighting prowess.

Even with all their alternatives, the Warriors don’t have a typical center forward who is both tall and strong. Many mention NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic as a comparable player, but the Warriors don’t have one at the moment.

In exchange, head coach Steve Kerr and the upper management of the organization have faith in the adaptability of its players. The Warriors will aim to make up for their center’s absence by emphasizing their small-ball style of play.

According to writer Anthony Slater, should this attempt fail, the Warriors would look for another center forward around the middle of the season.