RUMOR: The Golden State Warriors are reportedly exploring the idea of signing Dwight Howard to a veteran minimum deal for next season.
The rumor that the Golden State Warriors are considering signing Dwight Howard to a veteran minimum deal for the upcoming NBA season has been circulating, but the situation is more nuanced than it initially appears.
Dwight Howard, a former NBA All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, has had a storied career. After being drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in 2004, he became one of the league’s most dominant centers. His accolades include leading the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals and winning an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. In the 2021-22 NBA season, Howard played for the Lakers, averaging 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Following that season, he played for the Taoyuan Leopards in Taiwan’s T1 League, where he was named the league’s Most Valuable Import. In 2025, Howard was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, both individually and as a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic basketball team.
In September 2023, reports emerged that the Warriors were exploring the possibility of signing Howard to a veteran minimum deal. The team brought Howard in for a workout and meetings with head coach Steve Kerr and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. The focus of these discussions was on Howard’s mindset, his acceptance of a reduced role, and his potential to mentor younger players.
The Warriors’ interest in Howard stemmed from their need for a veteran big man to provide depth behind Draymond Green and Kevon Looney. At 6’10”, Howard’s size and experience were seen as assets, especially in matchups against dominant centers like Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets and Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Despite the initial interest, the Warriors ultimately decided not to sign Howard. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the team chose to maintain roster flexibility ahead of training camp, opting not to commit to a veteran center at that time. This decision allowed the Warriors to keep their options open for potential additions later in the season.
While the idea of Dwight Howard joining the Golden State Warriors was discussed, it did not come to fruition. The Warriors’ decision to pass on signing Howard was driven by a desire to maintain roster flexibility and explore other options. As of now, there are no indications that the Warriors are revisiting the possibility of adding Howard to their roster.
