Dwight Howard could thrive with Golden State Warriors next season

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 08, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 08, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Dwight Howard has put himself back on the radar for teams looking to make a splash in free agency. He could thrive with the Golden State Warriors.

A year ago, Dwight Howard looked as if he had played his last productive games in the NBA. Due to a surge in energy with the Los Angeles Lakers, Howard has managed to raise his value enough to put him on the Golden State Warriors‘ radar.

Howard is on a one-year $2.6 million dollar deal with LA that will terminate at the season’s end. He has shocked the world by showing he still has some gas left in the tank and is more than enough for the Dubs to consider using their MLE to sign him.

This year, Howard has embraced his role as a bench player. He brings massive amounts of energy to each game and plays solely to his strengths as a rebounder and finisher around the rim. Howard is having his best season in years despite his statistics decreasing across the board.

His attitude has taken a complete shift. He has seemingly loved every minute with the Lakers and his teammates love him too. On the floor, he does all of the dirty work that is needed. He is a big reason the Lakers lead the league in blocks and he has racked up 8 double-doubles off the bench.

The Warriors have a nice spot for Howard as he would stand as the team’s only true 7-footer. His rim protection and ability to rebound would be valuable and his experience in the league is a plus.

While the franchise is likely to hold out for a more versatile player that can play the wing or guard, Howard is certainly a target they will consider. He is the ideal center to run alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. There is a good chance he would see much success as a rim runner for the Dubs.

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Howard has finished 73.2 percent of his shots this season. Utilizing him as a weapon in pick-and-rolls would open up a ton of possibilities for the Dubs. Howard is a sleeper free agent that the Dubs might want to keep their eyes on.