Juwan Howard & Minnesota T-Wolves Part Ways, Veteran Could Join Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, Or Phoenix Suns

The Associated Press reports on the Minnesota Timberwolves buying-out forward Juwan Howard:

Howard was initially ecstatic when the Rockets traded him to Minnesota for guard Mike James in June. He had wanted to play with Kevin Garnett for some time and spoke about regretting choosing Orlando over Minnesota the last time he was a free agent.

But when the Wolves shipped Garnett to Boston at the end of July, Howard made it clear he was not interested in being part of a youth movement in Minnesota. He requested a trade, but the Wolves found no takers for a 13-year veteran who was owed $6.88 million this year and $7.38 million next year.

So the Timberwolves reached a buyout agreement on Monday, and now Howard is free to try and land with a team that is closer to contending for a championship, something that has eluded him in his career.

My Quick Take: Unrestricted free agency has been good to Juwan Howard. A decade ago, the forward scored a lucrative 100 million dollar contract from the Washington Wizards. More recently, he landed mid-level exception money; signing a five year, 35 million dollar contract with Orlando.

His priorities will be different this time around. Today, the Wolves bought Howard out of the final two years of his contract, making the veteran an unrestricted free agent for the third time in his career.

The forward is now free from Minnesota’s rebuilding project and will likely ink a cheap one-year deal with a contender. Here are Howard’s best options:

Boston Celtics: Howard would add depth to Boston’s front-court. And the former Michigan star would finally get an opportunity to ball with Garnett. In fact, Howard would serve as The Big Ticket’s back-up.

Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavaliers have enough cap room to sign a veteran like Howard, but not enough to bring back restricted free agents Anderson Varejao and Sasha Pavlovic.

Detroit Pistons: Joe Dumars and the Pistons have closed the door on Chris Webber returning for a final season. Would ’Joey D’ and Motown have interest in Howard?

Miami Heat: Pat Riley almost signed Howard years back as a free agent. South Beach’s window is closing, so the Gucci sideline boss would welcome another veteran for a final run at an NBA Title.

Phoenix Suns: Howard would give the Suns another scorer down-low. Unfortunately, Phoenix needs a banger-like former Sun Kurt Thomas who was dealt to Seattle in a salary dump.

Where should Juwan Howard sign? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

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