Feel free to vote in the fan confidence poll so we can see the ebb and flow of the fanbase for two days. Especially since Dwight should be announcing his decision tomorrow.
Author's Note: Please refrain from posting gifs and photos as it causes the page to load slower, bog down, and just become inconvenient for everyone.
Since it bears repeating from our playoff threads: In an effort to keep the quality of the site and discussion up (Since a lot of these conversations are devolving to sophomoric levels) we would like to remind our users that we're looking for respect, a level of decorum, and some insight and reflection on posts. Let's give it the ole college try to get our level of conversation back up to one of the more respected Houston Rockets sites on the net. After all, we're really only as good as the community we cultivate/foster.
Sign and Trade (And general CBA information)
There seems to be confusion relating to the terms of a sign and trade so enjoy this specific link to Larry Coon's CBA FAQ. Most of the information here is fantastic anyhow and should be a bookmark for any Rockets fan. It's not as intimidating as it first seems, especially if you use the search feature or read through the quick links.
Rockets and Warriors Prepare Sign and Trade Offers for Howard
I'm not entirely sure this has much validity per the Rockets report. Primarily because the Rockets have the money to sign Howard outright and if Howard wants Houston, he can just walk on over. I think this is more a victim of the 24 hour news cycle because Lin and Asik, despite being rumored as firmly entrenched in Houston, would most likely be involved in Josh Smith trade speculation.
Rockets Don't Have Cap Space to Sign Howard
Ignore this article. It neglects the option of the stretch buyout provision that can be applied to Royce White and does a great job feigning ignorance to the fact that Tim Ohlbrecht and James Anderson are easily waivable to the Rockets.
Dream Gives 85% Chance Dwight Signs With Houston
Olajuwon was very frank about the Rockets meeting stating that McHale knows how to utilize the center we need and that the backcourt is the best one he has a chance to play with. He emphasized that the Rockets are his best chance to win a championship.
Radio Interview with Daryl Morey
Morey discusses the theory craft behind some moves, the courtship process with free agents, and says the Lakers aren't interested in a sign and trade for Dwight Howard.
Golden State's Participation in Dwight Howard Sweepstakes
This is just straight up self-congratulatory promotion. Pat's write up on the Golden State situation worth reading to get a quick familiarity with the situation between Howard, Golden State, and Houston's chance.
ESPN Updates on Current Free Agents
Truehoop's running update on specific free agents and standing offers to them.
CBS Running update on free agency
CBS Sports has compiled links of articles relating to NBA Free agency. Check this site for full NBA coverage if you have an interest in non-Rockets action. On Twitter the rumor is that Andrew Bynum is not working out for teams in free agency and has drawn interest from the Mavericks in case Howard signs elsewhere.
Tweets
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Holed away in Colorado, the Lakers are still prominent in Dwight Howard's mind, sources tell Y! Rockets remain strong, Warriors lurking.</p>— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/statuses/353158922808463364">July 5, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Rumor: Houston Rockets exploring trade options for Royce White.</p>— Brett Poirier NBA (@BrettNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrettNBA/statuses/352764948750942209">July 4, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Two-time Emmy winner Jim Parsons on how <a href="https://twitter.com/DwightHoward">@DwightHoward</a> could be the next great Rockets center - <a href="http://t.co/NPXE6lBr3K">http://t.co/NPXE6lBr3K</a></p>— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) <a href="https://twitter.com/dmorey/statuses/353154506961330176">July 5, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>I hope <a href="https://twitter.com/DwightHoward">@DwightHoward</a> doesn't try to flip coins to make his decision. It might take longer than expected haha <a href="http://t.co/gzFv5YMz8g">pic.twitter.com/gzFv5YMz8g</a></p>— Mambachiavelli (@LakerByNature) <a href="https://twitter.com/LakerByNature/statuses/353152414645362688">July 5, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>NBA Trade Rumors: Cavaliers linked to Golden State efforts to get Dwight Howard <a href="http://t.co/JnKGYTaHef">http://t.co/JnKGYTaHef</a></p>— FearTheSword (@FearTheSword) <a href="https://twitter.com/FearTheSword/statuses/353155902280441856">July 5, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Useful Follows
The usual stand bys of Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA), Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine), Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen), and Chad Ford (@ChadFordInsider) are good. If you want to diversify Mike Kerns of TDS (Marginally) is good for breaking news and Twitter harassment (@Zepp1978), and Mark Deeks (Yes, I was a jerk but I gave him credit) broke the Lin shopping story (@MarkDeeksNBA). If you're after commentary and what not you have an option for all the TDS crew @PatrickHarrel, @ak2themax, (Me) @QuestionablyBD, @Xiane1 (Who is still alive apparently), @3ptTheHardenWay, @CroesFire, and @Allen_OJ. I don't list NVP because he told me not to as he rarely ever Tweets, don't support OJATM by rec'ing him.